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Erika grew up in the Niagara region, and most of her family lives amongst the vines of Niagara. In fact, the Neudorf property is home to the highly coveted Le Clos Jordanne's 'La Petite' single vineyard Pinot Noir.Erika's passion for the wine industry started long ago with a co-op placement in the cellars of Vineland Estates while still in high school. This followed by jobs at both Vineland Estates and Peller Estates Winery Restaurants while finishing her degree from Western. She has recently returned from Australia, where she completed her Masters in Wine Business from the University of Adelaide.
Since her arrival Erika has been very busy. She started by getting her 'hands dirty' during the 2007 harvest at Le Clos Jordanne, has spent time working for the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) at Brock University as well as the Vineland Research Cente. Erika also consulted for Niagara College's Post Grad Wine Business Program to commence September 2009.
During part of her studies in Australia, Erika researched the wine-buying behaviour of consumers and became intrigued by the complexity of consumer wine choice. So intrigued, that when came back to Canada she decided to make a career out of it! In 2007, she opened the Consumer Laboratory at Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) with Director at the time, Isabelle Lesschaeve, and went on with Lesschaeve to start the Consumer Insights group at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.
An opportunity arose with Wine Intelligence, a UK based specialist in wine marketing, strategy, and market research, and Erika recently accepted a position in their London office.
Apart from the research, Erika loves to drink wine (especially with Ange)! She holds the Advanced Certificate from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust, and enjoys trying all types of wines - Riesling among her favourites.
Erika is a wine rockstar and passionate iYellow Ambassador!
Her articles include:
2 Bottles & 2 Questions (the interview)
Twighlight Tribute
