A bit about us...
Oftentimes, the wine world can feel pretentious. At Cépages Somm Academy, we make wine education exciting and accessible. Our classes are packed with integral information delivered by seasoned professionals who have been down the formal training route. Together, we have formed a holistic, comprehensive and playful method toward transferring empowered wine tasting skills
and knowledge to our students.
The Ottawa and Outaouais region create the perfect microclimate for producing some of the most well-rounded wine and drinks professionals in the country. We're beyond proud to partner with the best in this business, to share our knowledge and to craft experiential learning opportunities,
the likes of which are rarely seen in this region.
Connor Gallagher
Founder & Instructor
Connor's love of gastronomy came to him by chance. Drawn originally to the world of winter sports, he left his home town in deep Gatineau, QC and made the trek to Lake Louise, Alberta as a youngster. Living in a hut the size of a tea cup on the side of a mountain, he was on the slopes by day and got a job serving at a top restaurant by night. Within no time, his interest in the world of the senses was piqued. He returned east, to cut his teeth in the great wine and food hub of Montreal, where he got his first Sommelier gig. In 2013, he drove down to Hudson, NY to take the Court of Master Sommeliers Americas (CMS) level one and got bitten by the Somm bug. He went on to pass the CMS level two in Montreal in 2015, achieved his Advanced upon first attempt in 2018, and now has sat for his Master Sommelier Theory exam twice.
Connor currently lives in Chelsea, QC with his lovely wife and son where gardening and being in the forest are his favourite pass times. After launching Cépages Somm Academy, Connor's next horizon is importation. And... to write a kid's book about the olfactory.
Bernard
Joseph-Lemoyne
Instructor
Originally from Lusaka, Zambia, Bernard moved to Ottawa in 2004 to pursue university studies. While studying Criminology at the University of Ottawa, he got his first restaurant job as a kitchen hand. He quickly made the move to server and upon completion of university took on the role of Assistant General Manager with East India Company Restaurants. He has been been pursuing the level of Master Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers Americas (CMS) since 2014. He currently holds the title of Certified Sommelier with the CMS. Bernard has been part of the Atelier Restaurant team since November 2017 and took over as GM from his friend and mentor, Steve Robinson, in July 2019. He also serves as a consultant specializing in restaurant operations and management training.
Justin Sparks
Instructor
In the restaurant industry for almost 20 years now, Justin has developed a true passion for quality in food and beverage. He appreciates the professionalism in service and execution but it's the creativity behind the craft which drives him. From spirits to cocktails, drink is his purpose.
Devon
Bowers-Krishnan
Instructor
Born and raised in Ottawa, Devon began his restaurant journey in 2007 as a busboy and dishwasher. It wouldn’t be until the completion of a BA with Honors in History and International Development at Trent University that he decided to expand his knowledge and skillset within the hospitality industry and become a sommelier. Devon then went on to achieve Level 3 certification with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). Most recently he received the Certified Level of the Court of Master Sommeliers Americas (CMS) accompanied by the Walter Clore distinction for top in class and continues to pursue higher certification. He joined Atelier in January 2016.