Our Sommelier
Astrid Young is a dedicated member of the wine trade with experience spanning over twenty years. Certified by the International Sommelier Guild, she has also been a candidate for Master of Wine. In years past, Astrid has been a wine buyer for many restaurants, with a special emphasis on her specialties: small production California and Burgundy. Her buying experience extends all accross North America, and she also has clients in Japan as well as Italy and other parts of Europe.
Astrid's experience as a Sommelier has gained her vaulable recognition in both Canada and the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, where her close relationships with wine makers, winery owners, growers, distributors and importers alike allow her to leverage prestige allocations for her clients worldwide.
In her hometown Toronto, Astrid is well known in the wine trade, two notable claims to fame being that she was a pivotal influence in building a wine cellar in a pool hall (The Academy of Spherical Arts) and creating a wine program at an Indian Restaurant (Kamasutra, on Bayview Avenue).
Astrid is a regular contributor and blogger on the popular food and drink website, Gremolata.com, and occasionally writes freelance articles for various publications.
A professional musician and published author, Astrid is currently working on a new record, to be released in the spring, and is writing a travelling chronicle of her adventures in the wine world, titled Wino. Check back here, or with Gremolata.com for news and happenings!