Gurvinder Bhatia

Gurvinder Bhatia left a career practising law to pursue his passion for wine and food. He is the wine editor for Quench (Canada’s most widely distributed wine and food publication), wine columnist for the Edmonton Journal and Global TV Edmonton, an international wine judge and the head wine buyer and Director of Wine, Business Development & Education for the UnWined wine boutiques. Gurvinder was the owner of Vinomania wine boutique (opened in 1995) for over 20 years, named one of the 20 best wine stores in Canada. In addition, Gurvinder was the wine columnist for CBC Radio for 11 years. Gurvinder is also the founder and director of Northern Lands, our country’s largest all-Canadian wine and culinary festival, and is certified by VinItaly International Academy as an Italian Wine Expert. In addition to possessing a law degree (JD) from Washington University in St. Louis, Gurvinder earned his Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA) with honours from Bradley University in Illinois. In 2015, Gurvinder was named by Alberta Venture Magazine as one of Alberta’s 50 Most Influential People. Gurvinder believes that wine and food get their context from the people, place, culture and history of their home and focusses on sharing these stories of sense of place through his writing and commentaries. Gurvinder is frequently asked to speak at events and conferences locally, nationally and internationally. Gurvinder is actively involved in the community and donates his time and resources to numerous charitable causes including currently sitting as a Board member of the Edmonton Community Foundation.

GURVINDER'S CONTRIBUTION

• Bringing and sharing personal experiences

• Helping to create awareness

• Being realistic, hopeful and determined for change

Gurvinder Bhatia
Lab Advisor