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Purpose & Directors

Purpose

Vinica Education Society is a not-for-profit society incorporated in British Columbia, Canada, focussed on diversifying the wine industry through innovative education and professional mentorship. We support people that are passionate about wine, but are experiencing systemic barriers to participation and advancement, develop into leaders in the industry.

Board of Directors

Vinica is managed by a dedicated, volunteer board of directors:

Vinica’s President and Chief Learning Officer Arnica Rowan is a partner in Terroir Consulting, a Canadian agency supporting wine producers and regions across the globe. She writes for several global publications and is a contributor to the 5th edition of the Oxford Companion to Wine. Arnica has a B.Com, MA, WSETDiploma and is a Master of Wine student and LLAg agrologist registered with the BCIA. She speaks English, German and French.
Vinica’s Past President and Chief Operations Officer Chris Mann is a winemaker located in Kelowna, British Columbia. Chris has a BSc. and a Winemaking Diploma from UC Davis. After considerable success as a cider make and winemaker at several Okanagan wineries, Chris now works in non-profit leadership at the YMCA. Chris is also a graduate of Vinica’s Equity in Wine Leadership Program.
Vinica’s Chief Documentation Officer Trina Plamondon is the founder of Carpa Vino. She is a wine consultant, wine educator and wine writer. Trina holds WSET 3 with Merit, Canadian Wine Scholar, Food & Wine Pairing, is a BC Wine Ambassador, and a Certified Project Manager Professional with a Degree in Special Education & TESOL. Trina is also a graduate of Vinica’s Equity in Wine Leadership Program.
Vinica’s Chief Financial Officer Nicky Chan is also a graduate of Vinica’s Equity in Wine Leadership Program. More bio to come…
Vinica’s Chief Culture Officer Karen Chapman is Coast Salish from the Cowichan Tribes located on Vancouver island. Karen has been a flight attendant for the past 24 years. When she is not flying the friendly skies, you can find her in the vineyard, tasting room and helping out in the winery at Black Market Wine Co in Kaleden. She’s a BC Wine Ambassador, holds WSET 3 and was one of the first graduates of Vinica’s Equity in Wine Leadership Program.
Vinica’s Chief Hospitality Officer, Alfredo Jop, is a Vinica grad and Guest Experience Manager at Mission Hill Family Estate. Originally from Guatemala, Alfredo focuses on the guest experience, hospitality, and winery operations, with a strong foundation in wine service and storytelling. Alfredo holds a WSET3 and is committed to community, collaboration, and continuous learning. He speaks Spanish and English.
Vinica’s Chief Tech Officer Faye Wai is a communications and brand strategist for multinational organizations, high-growth startups, and the BC wine sector. A Vinica grad with WSET 3, she brings hands-on harvest, cellar, and marketing experience with Okanagan producers including Sage Hill Estate, Roche Winery, Bella Wines, and Martin’s Lane. She has led social media and partnerships strategy for national beverage brands including NÜTRL Vodka and Tempo Gin. She speaks English and Cantonese, and is conversational in French and Mandarin.

Board of Directors Alumni

Many thanks to Paulo Brammer, founder of Eno Cultura, former head sommelier for a three Michel-starred chefs, and Educator of the Year by both WSET Global and Wine Scholar Guild, who was a founding director of Vinica and still gives us his educational advice on demand.
Many thanks to Ana Gallegos founder of Ana Wine Co, international wine judge, and manager at the Société des alcools du Québec, in Montreal, Canada, who kept us grounded and connected with the sommelier world while serving as a founding Vinica director. We are so grateful for her contributions.
Many thanks to Sarah Buffet, proud member of the Métis Nation of BC and MA student, who was a director 2021-2023 and our Program Director for 2021/2022. We are so grateful for her vision and contributions.
Many thanks to Karnail Singh Sidhu, a founding Vinica director, winemaker and owner of Kalala Organic Estate Winery, in West Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, who is retired as a director but is always there to support our work with a joke and a warm welcome.  
Many thanks to Mayu Takasaki, Japanese language and culture professor at UBC Okanagan, who was a founding member of our board for the first several years, and still continues to support our work.
Many thanks to Janik Livera, Hospitality Manager at Maverick Estate Winery, who was a mentor in Vinica’s Equity in Wine Leadership Program and served on our board. We are lucky to have Janice’s enthusiasm and wisdom as a mentor.
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