PETER SMOLARZ
Director of Fine Wines & Purchasing
Peter has been with Willow Park Wines & Spirits for over 20 years, during which Peter has become a true expert in everything from wine to tequila to scotch. Peter has successfully completed his WSET Diploma in Wine and WSET Spirits Level 2 along with WSET Certified Educator in Wine Level 1, 2, 3 and attended Bordeaux Appellation Classes in France to strengthen his knowledge within the industry.
To accompany his education, Peter has travelled across the globe, visiting six continents with destinations including France, Argentina, Chile, Italy, Belgium, Australia, California and Spain. Through these experiences he has worked and learned at distilleries, breweries and wineries, further deepening his understanding wine production methodologies. “One experience that stands out the most in my mind was the Gala Dinner at Domaine Chevalier, Chateau Lafite and Chateau Angludet during Vin Expo. I was treated to wines from every decade all the way back to the 1940’s, including the most amazing wine I’ve ever tasted, Chateau Palmer 1961.”
In 2015, Peter was given the honor to represent Canada in the Chaine des Rotisseurs Young Sommelier Competition in Adelaide, Australia. “It was an amazing experience! I was tested against 13 other sommeliers from around the world in blind tasting, a written exam and a three stage service exam which covered sparkling wine table service, decanting table service and menu food and wine paring. It truly was an experience that I will never forget and I made some great friends from all over the world during that time.”
Peter currently manages the Bordeaux Futures program, and oversees company-wide retail operations of Wine, Spirits, Sake, Beer, Ready to Drink and Giftware. His understanding, dedication and passion for the industry, along with his impeccable memory and palate, make it easy to see why he is the best person to be our Director of Fine Wines & Purchasing on the Willow Park Wines & Spirits team.
Although his heart will always lie with wines from Bordeaux, his desert island wine would be vintage Champagne. During the summer days, you're sure to find him on a downtown patio with friends or hiking in the mountains.
