Bernard Stramwasser

DIRECTOR

Bernard Stramwasser is a Canadian-born entrepreneur who has lived in Canada, France and the United States. He speaks a number of languages including English, French, Dutch, Spanish, with a working knowledge of Portuguese, Italian and German.

His first wine experience was when he was 10 years old and living in France, where he explored the caves of Champagne Piper-Heidsieck in a golf cart tour. This exposed him to the world of wine, and piqued his curiosity. After taking part in several wine trips with his family, Bernard began to discover and admire the magic and passion that winery owners shared.

It was a family trip through the Alsace in 1999 however, where Bernard has his moment of revelation - his epiphany. It became apparent that the world of wine was one filled with passion and joie de vivre, and one in which he wanted to be a part.

And so, in January 2000, Bernard registered the domain lesommelier.com and his Ontario-based wine import agency, Le Sommelier Inc., of which is still currently President.

Bernard earned his Sommelier certification in 2006 with the International Sommelier Guild, and joined the Board of Directors of Grapes for Humanity in 2015.