WineRunners Inc. was established in 2006 by wine lovers Brian Heck and Camilla Stephan. Since then, we have grown into a team of knowledgeable, dedicated, passionate people with integrity, whose focus it is to introduce exciting high value product to the market. We proudly represent some of the very best wines and spirits of the world, including 5 wines that were recognized by Wine Spectator and Tempranillo al Mundo 2011, as being amongst the top wines of the world in 2010 and 2011.
Cathy came to WineRunners having moved back to Canada from New Zealand where she was our point of contact at Stonyridge Vineyard on Waiheke Island. Cathy knows and appreciates the passion that goes into making a bottle of wine and offers a wealth of valuable resources to WineRunners with a background in accountancy, sales, office and event management. She will ensure all who deal with WineRunners have a seamlessly smooth experience thanks to her friendly, courteous and professional demeanor.
After a strong sales career in consumer packaged goods with Nestle and Nestle Waters Canada, Karen decided in 1996 to pursue an opportunity to move to the sale and marketing of wine and other liquor products with Vinterra Wine Merchants. Her portfolio included Humberto Canale Wines, Hughes Les Joues, Diego Murillo, and most notably Yellow Tail Wines, which she was instrumental in launching, and which is now one of the best selling wines in northern Alberta, as it is elsewhere. After a brief period with River Valley Beverages representing their diverse portfolio of wines and spirits, Karen returned to Vinterra to represent select Mondia Alliance/ Kruger Wines and Spirits products. In 2010, Karen took charge of Northern Alberta Sales for Dirty Laundry Vineyard, and in 2011 sales for the entire province, using her years of expertise to successfully market Dirty Laundry wines in Alberta.
Alisha's career in sales began when she started to work with her father in new home sales at the age of 15. Together, they grew the town of Langdon, Alberta from 400 to 5000 people, and Alisha realized she had a gift for connecting with people. While she developed her skills in sales under her father's careful tutelage, Alisha also worked part time in the food and beverage industry, first as a server, then as a bar tender and ultimately in management. She then combined the skills she gained in the two industries to become District Sales Manager for Westway Liquor in 2010. Here, she was responsible for sales and supported of over 600 accounts, doubling sales in under two years, and developing strong relationships with accounts thanks to her outgoing personality, and professionalism. When she is not working with her accounts, Alisha appears on stages in and around southern Alberta, as she is also an accomplished singer.
Perhaps it was fate that she grew up next door to a winery in Kelowna or perhaps just good fortune, but undeniably, living in wine country and traveling to the world's wine regions had a profound influence on Laura. After completing a diploma in Business Administration and a BA in International Relations, Laura worked for two years as a Sales Analyst in the energy field. In 2009 however, she turned to her true passion, the world of wine , becoming the Tasting Coordinator for Excess Wines, while she also worked on her level three WSET Diploma. In 2010, Laura joined The Delf Group as Sales Representative, and later Redback Wines to manage their southern Alberta territory and focus on boutique store and restaurant accounts. Laura brings to WineRunners an extensive and deep understanding of fine wines, and a strong history of account management and care. When time allows, she continues to work on her WSETs, aspiring to become a Master of Wine. Laura can also be found skiing, hiking, or cooking and spending time with her husband and their German Shepherd.
Camilla is one of the founding partners of WineRunners, along with Brian, and brings a wealth of experience and expertiese in building a professional service organization, and in managing a diverse team of dedicated professionals. She possesses an incredible palate and her warm personality is sure to put you at ease.
Brian is the other founding partner of WineRunners, along with Camilla, and he has extensive experience in corporate development and a passion for the wine business. Together with the rest of the WineRunners team, Brian delights in bringing the wonderful wines of our portfolio to you, with an emphasis on sales and service to Calgary's boutique store and restaurant accounts.
