OUR TEAM
Canada
We are also a local liquor agent that sources unique whiskies into Western Canada.
British Columbia
Victoria Matsepudra – Sales & Marketing | [email protected]
Victoria joins Fountana Group after working years in the Vancouver’s restaurant scene. She has a Bachelor degree in Hospitality Management and is an active member of a local Toastmasters public speaking group. It is her enthusiasm and passion for the hospitality business that helped her in gaining in-depth knowledge of the industry and developed an interest for wine and spirits. Victoria’s whisky journey began with Scotch single malts. Victoria strongly believes that there’s a whisky for every taste, and if somebody says they don’t like whisky in general, it’s because they haven’t found the right one. Her primary focus in business is on building long lasting relationships and delivering service and knowledge beyond expectations.
Roberto Roberti – Beverage Manager | [email protected]
Originally from Venezuela, Roberto Roberti moved to Canada 20 years ago seeking new prospects. After numerous jobs in the retail industry, he joined the Vancouver Airport Duty free team in 1999 as a Liquor Consultant, and found his love for the Liquor industry. His passion for Spirits, depth of product knowledge, unparalleled industry expertise, combined with a Bachelor Degree in Advertising and Marketing make him a renowned expert in the industry in Canada and in Scotland.
Nick Haltigin – Sales & Marketing | [email protected]
Nick comes from a bartending background. Having stood behind various bars in Vancouver for many years, he gained an appreciation for whisky. Years ago, when sampling Bruichladdich 12, the sea salt notes on the nose caught his attention, and spurred him to investigate the realm of whisky further. Alongside single malts, the world of whisky began to open up; the dark fruit notes of Eagle Rare 17 and earthy tones of Evan Williams Single barrel helped to foster an appreciation for bourbon. Nick enjoys discovering new whiskies both New World and Old, and is enthusiastic about introducing them to whisky drinkers everywhere.”
Maria Garcia – Logistics & Marketing | [email protected]
Maria came to Canada when she was just 19 to learn English and French but she fell in love with the country and decided to stay looking for a better future. She has over 16 years’ experience working in the food, travel and wholesale liquor industries, has a Degree in Advertising and Marketing, a BA in Travel and Tourism and has a Culinary Arts Diploma from Dubrulle International Culinary & Hotel Institute of Canada. Her Spanish heritage have given her a passion for wine but she is developing a taste for various whiskies specially Peated Whisky even though wine will always be her passion.
Alberta
J. Wheelock – Sales Manager | [email protected]
It’s not just a job, it’s a lifestyle choice. With 16-plus years in the industry, staying current with trends and consumer insight is more than a full-time occupation. Between print, electronic media and an increasingly diverse community of devoted consumers, J. Wheelock has devoted many hours to learning about the ever-evolving world of cask-aged brown spirit.
Based in Calgary, Alberta, J.’s role is to connect with like-minded individuals, groups and establishments, espousing the virtues of the whiskies he’s been charged to represent. His first foray into the Whisky-sphere was with the famed family of brands held by The Edrington Group, four plus years with Whyte and Mackay Brands, BenRiach Brands, Compass Box and Michter’s, and now with Fountana Beverage.
A father of three, J. spends the bulk of his free time enjoying fatherhood. He is also an avid reader of fiction and watcher of mixed martial arts, and has designs on one day penning his very own children’s book. Until then, you’ll find him just as happy in the Alberta market, most certainly on his way to meet with the next group of whisky fans who are gathering to compare notes. “It’s exactly where I want to be.”
Taiwan
We do not walk the usual path liquor stores go, Fountana Liquor Store in Taichung carries mostly independent bottling, and some original bottling. Click to view the store.
Rose Ou-Yang – | [email protected]
Rose is a veteran in Japanese food services. She is our Zen master who is enjoying to provide the Ichi-go ichi-e experiences to our customers. Before joining Fountana Group, she was not a fan of whisky. She is building the single malt palate and looking forward to explore the whisky wonderland with customers. She holds WSET level 1 and A+ Australian Wine School level 1.
China
We are an importer and distributor for whisky, wine, and Canada Sturgeon caviar.
Sharon Gan – | [email protected]
Sharon joined Fountana group with years of experience working on international projects in China – a specialized focus in food imports and exports. She has brought a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise to our company. She is currently working on sales and marketing projects of exclusive products in China.