Grape Expectations prides itself as a unique venture in the Tri-Cities area inspired by years of industry experience and accreditation from the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers.
Our Sommelier service excels in organizing wine tasting seminars based on a wide array of themes that are entertaining and informative without being overwhelming or stuffy.
Whether the atmosphere is a formal gathering at your restaurant or a casual mingling of good friends in the comfort of your own home, we can accommodate your every need.
We are tenacious about keeping abreast of current trends and anticipating future developments in the wine industry by networking alongside like minded colleagues and passionately attending a variety of wine tasting sessions with the aim of continually learning through self-education.
Jake Richards is a graduate of the Sommelier Certification program from Niagara College as overseen by the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers. He is also a member of the CAPS Ontario chapter based in Toronto in affiliation with the national office of the Association Canadienne des Sommeliers Professionels (ACSP), Montreal, Quebec. ACSP is part of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) to which 40 other member nations belong with headquarters in Paris.
Having honed my skills on a long journey across Canada, this passion for food and wine has led to employment with luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants and an educational multi-faceted stint at a winery.
Continually intrigued and motivated by the notion that I will never know everything about the hospitality business as it is ever evolving, brings a strange comfort in knowing that each day can offer fresh perspectives.
With Randall Grahm, Founder and President-For-Life of Bonny Doon Vineyard
With Donald Ziraldo
Awards won with Wine Lists created by Grape Expectations Sommelier Service
A moment with a bottle of Steamwhistle & Anthony Bourdain.
At Origin with Arlene Dickinson & Jim Treliving
Corporate Clientele
