Paul Martzoukos

Paul grew up working at his family’s restaurant. It was this early introduction to the hospitality industry that inspired him to study Hotel and Food Administration as part of an Honours Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Guelph. He put himself through University by working at a fine dining restaurant during the school year and in the summers at a well known resort.

After graduation he moved to Alberta to enjoy a few winters of the world famous Canadian Rockies skiing.  It was while working at a fine dining restaurant near Banff that he fell in love with wine.  It was a bottle of 1982 Chateau Pavie, and as he describes it, it was an epiphany!

He decided to pursue a career in the wine business and shortly thereafter got a job as a Merchandiser for a wine focused importing agency. He was quickly promoted to Sales Representative, and in the 10 years since then has enjoyed a great deal of success in the industry in positions as a Sales Representative, Sales Manager, and most recently as the Chief Operating Officer for a national agency.

He has a true passion for wine and has been eager to learn all he can.  To that end he earned his Sommelier certification with the International Sommelier Guild in 1999, and has been active with them ever since.  He teaches several courses a year for the Guild and has also been their Alberta cellarmaster.

With the broad experience he has in the wine industry, starting an importing agency was the next logical step.   Tannin Fine Wines Ltd. has allowed Paul to utilize his considerable skills, experience, and contacts to bring exciting wines to the Canadian market.