Meet Andre "Dre"
From hospitality professional to certified wine
scholar, discover the passion-driven journey behind BCWineNerd and the authentic voice bringing you honest wine reviews and experiences.
My Wine Journey
From hospitality professional to certified sommelier, here's how my passion for wine evolved into the authentic voice behind BCWineNerd.
1998
Hospitality Journey Begins
Started career in hospitality, working across Canada and eventually settling in beautiful Kelowna, BC.
2009
Sommelier Education
Enrolled in sommelier courses and achieved Level 2 certification, diving deep into the world of wine expertise.
2010 Mission Hill
Terrace Restaurant Manager
Managed the Terrace restaurant at Mission Hill Family Estate Winery - voted one of the top 5 winery restaurants in the world.
2002
First Sommelier Encounter
Met James K., my first sommelier in Alberta, who showed me just the tip of the iceberg of wine knowledge and ignited my passion.
2009-10 Banff Center
Chef's Table Presentations
Shared wine knowledge at Chef's Table events for up to 24 guests, presenting wine and food pairings in professional kitchen settings.
2015 Instagram Launch
BC Wine & Gluten-Free Pairing
Started Instagram showcasing BC wines paired with homemade gluten-free meals, inspired by my wife's Celiac Disease and restaurant-caliber cooking.
Beyond the Wine
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My wine journey isn't just about certifications and professional experience – it's deeply personal. When my wife was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, I was determined to show her that gluten-free dining at home could still achieve restaurant-caliber excellence.
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Drawing from my experience working with gifted chefs, I began creating elaborate gluten-free meals paired with BC wines. This personal mission became the heart of my Instagram content, where I share these pairings with fellow wine enthusiasts who understand that great wine experiences shouldn't be limited by dietary restrictions.
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Living in Kelowna has been transformative. Being surrounded by world-class wineries opened countless opportunities to expand my learning and connect with passionate winemakers. Every day brings new discoveries in this incredible wine region we call home.
My role managing the Terrace restaurant at Mission Hill Family Estate – recognized as one of the top 5 winery restaurants globally – cemented my commitment to the Okanagan Valley wine scene. It's here that BC Wine Nerd truly came to life.
Professional Certifications
Continuous education and professional development have shaped my expertise in wine and spirits, ensuring authentic and knowledgeable content for BC Wine Nerd readers.
WSET Level 2 in Wines
Fine Vintages Wine Education
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Advanced wine knowledge covering grape varieties, wine regions, and tasting techniques.
Canadian Wine Scholar
Fine Vintages Wine Education
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Specialized certification focusing on Canadian wine regions, producers, and varietals.
WSET Level 1 in Spirits
Fine Vintages Wine Education
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Foundation knowledge in spirits production, categories, and service.
My Wine Philosophy
BC Wine Nerd is built on the belief that wine should be approachable, honest, and inclusive. Here are the core principles that guide every review, pairing, and recommendation.
Honest Reviews
Every wine review is authentic and unbiased, sharing both the highlights and honest critiques.
Accessible Education
Breaking down complex wine knowledge into approachable, practical information for all levels.
BC Wine Focus
Celebrating the incredible diversity and quality of British Columbia's wine regions.
Why BC Wine Nerd Exists
After years in hospitality and achieving wine expert certifications, I realized there was a gap in authentic, accessible wine content focused specifically on British Columbia's incredible wine scene.
BC Wine Nerd bridges that gap by providing honest reviews, educational content, and practical pairing suggestions that celebrate our local wine industry while making wine knowledge accessible to everyone – regardless of experience level or dietary needs.
