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.
Directors
Vinica is managed by a dedicated, volunteer board of directors:
Vinica’s Chief Culture Officer Sarah Buffett was our Program Director for 2021 and 2022, and is currently pursuing an MA in Community Engagement, Social Change, and Equity studies with UBC. Sarah has entrepreneurial background in social enterprise, grant writing, and event management. Sarah is a proud member of the Métis Nation of BC, and graduate of their Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Program. 
Vinica’s Chief Learning Officer Arnica Rowan is a partner in Terroir Consulting, a Canadian agency supporting wine producers and regions across the globe. With a passion for romantic wine stories, 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. She speaks English, German and French. 
Vinica’s Chief Production Officer
Karnail Singh Sidhu is the winemaker and owner of Kalala Organic Estate Winery, in West Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. Karnail is an organic viticulture advocate, a sought-after viticulture consultant and the proud winner of a myriad of wine awards. Karnail is originally from the Punjab in India, and is fluent in both Punjabi, English and Hindi.
Vinica’s Chief Innovation Officer
Paulo Brammer is the founder of Eno Cultura, Brazil’s foremost wine and spirits academy. Formerly head sommelier for a three Michel-starred chefs, Paulo now focusses on wine research and innovation, and was awarded Educator of the Year by both WSET Global and Wine Scholar Guild. Paulo holds a WSET Diploma, is a wine judge for Decanter UK, and speaks Portuguese, Spanish and English.
Vinica’s Chief Sommelerie Officer
Ana Gallegos has a BA, is a certified sommelier, holds a WSET Diploma and is a Master of Wine student. Ana is the founder of Ana Wine Co, judges international wine competitions, contributes to international publications, and works a manager at the Société des alcools du Québec, in Montreal, Canada. Originally from Mexico, she’s fluent in Spanish, French and English.
Vinica’s 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 maker, Chris has transitioned to wine. He has worked as a winemaker at several Okanagan wineries. 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 Mentorship Officer Janik Livera is the Hospitality Manager at Maverick Estate Winery, located in Oliver BC. Janik has a diploma in Culinary Arts, a BFA, and a Masters of Divinity. After a successful career in urban hospitality, he transitioned to the rural life and now mentors students in their own careers. Janice was born and raised in Sri-Lanka. Janik is a mentor in Vinica’s Equity in Wine Leadership Program. 
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.