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Karen LaVigne

Karen LaVigne is a WSET certified instructor at IWEG for over 10 years and the lead instructor for the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines, an interactive and comprehensive introduction into wine and food pairing concepts. After a successful career in the private and public sector, she pursued her passion for quality wines, spirits and specialty foods through certified sommelier courses and completing the various levels of WSET courses up to and including the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines. She passed the Italian Wine Scholar with highest honours.

She has worked in the wine industry and hospitality sector in various capacities for almost 20 years, including in wine production, retail sales and marketing for the Ontario wine industry and for premium imported wines and products. Karen has developed wine lists for restaurants, managed private clients’ cellars and conducted themed wine and food events for corporations and for groups of individuals who simply wanted to learn more about a specific country or style of wine. She is an engaging and entertaining instructor and guides the students through the fundamentals of wine making, international wine styles and food pairing. She truly enjoys the sense of discovery shared with people who are open to trying new foods and wines or new combinations of old favourites.