MLSE NETWORK: SEARCH THE SITE:


Our Master Sommelier, Jennifer Huether is proud to work with Canada's largest team of certified Sommeliers. The team is made up of a diverse group of talents including trained winemakers and prominent wine journalists. There is always a Sommelier working on the floor available to help enhance your dining experience by pairing your dinner, helping you to select something special, or simply navigating the list with you. Please ask your server to speak with your Sommelier tonight!

Saluté, Jennifer Huether, MS
Head Sommelier
MLSE



Click here to watch a video of our Master Sommeliers on Canada AM.



Jennifer Huether, MS
Head Sommelier

Favourite Wine on List: 1998 Krug, Clos de Mesnil, Blanc de Blanc, Champagne, France

With her fresh approach to teaching, passion for wine, true professionalism and drive for knowledge, Jennifer Huether has earned the respect of clients and colleagues, making her one of the leading female Sommeliers in Canada.

As a valued Sommelier, Jennifer has worked for such restaurants as Oliver and Bonacini, Ruths Chris Steak House in Toronto and has been the Head Sommelier for Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd. for the past six years. Overseeing a large award winning wine program spanning several different restaurants, with an investment of wine into the millions, and a leading team of 9 sommeliers, the wine program at MLSE is one of the largest and most comprehensive in North America. Jennifer has brought wine training to each restaurant she has worked at, and now is proud to head up on sight Court of Master Sommeliers and IWEG courses for the staff at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd.

Jennifers passion for wine and wine knowledge has driven her to extensive studies. She graduated top of class at the International Sommelier Guild in 2000 and went on to gain the Diploma of Wine and Spirits from Wine and Spirit Education Trust in 2003. Jennifer was then accepted into the Advanced Sommelier Program from the Court of Master Sommeliers and gained accreditation in the first round of testing in 2004 in London England. Jennifer competed in the Ontario Sommelier Competition in 2006 and won best Sommelier in Ontario awarded by CAPS. Jennifer then went on to sit a series of challenging exams and passed the Court of Master Sommeliers Master Exams in February 2011, becoming the first female Master Sommelier in Canada.


Jonathan Gonsenhauser
Advanced Sommelier (Court of Master Sommeliers)
Assistant General Manager & Sommelier, E11even

Favourite Wine on List: Alvaro Palacious, Corrulon, Bierzo, Spain


Jonathan has been with MLSE since 2008 and has had a hand in many different parts of the wine program. Currently he is the Assistant General Manager/Sommelier at e11even. This role, along with guidance from our Head Sommelier Jennifer Huether, sees Jonathan managing a wine list that currently features 600 plus different winesand this number is growing.

Before this role Jonathan cut his teeth at MLSE in the Platinum Club and Hot Stove. Prior to this Jonathan was the General Manager and Sommelier at Pangaea restaurant in Toronto.

Like the entire MLSE Sommelier team, Jonathan is an avid student. Currently Jonathan is a Master Sommelier candidate and has attained his Advanced Sommelier Certificate from both Court of Master Sommeliers and WSET. Along with traditional studies Jonathan is part of a number of tasting groups throughout the city.

The annual event, held by Toronto General Hospital, Grand Cru lists Jonathan as the Head Sommelier. Yearly Jonathan spends countless hours dedicating his time to organize charity dinners across the city.


Jerome Jung
Assistant Sommelier, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd.

Favourite Wine on List: Henshke, Euphonium, Keyneton Estate, Barossa Valley, Australia


Jeromes curiosity about wine and the wine industry was piqued after he received several bottles as gifts one year. He began taking courses with the International Sommelier Guild in 2008 out of general interest. That general interest soon turned into a passion for all things wine. Jeromes thirst for more knowledge has grown leaps and bounds since then, culminating in 2010 when he earned his Sommelier Diploma (a tremendous accomplishment for an individual working outside of the hospitality and wine industries). In the midst of working toward the completion of his diploma, Jerome took on a position at the Platinum Club, working as a stagier under Jennifer Huether. Impressed with his work ethic and ability to learn quickly, Jerome was offered a position at the Platinum Club for the following year.

Jerome has a real passion for learning and is always willing to share his wine knowledge with the fans. He is enthusiastic about the working environment at the Platinum Club and notes the great clientele, amazing coworkers, and spectacular wine list as highlights of the job.


Mary Jane Baxter
Administrative Sommelier/Catering Manager

Favourite Wine on List: E. Guigal, La Landonne Cote Rotie, Rhne, France


Mary Jane oversees administration of wine purchasing for the ACC. She is also currently the Manager of Catering and Special Events at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. Mary Jane has actively been pursuing her knowledge of wine over the last few years. She was awarded her Advanced WSET certificate in 2008, and went on to achieve her designation as a Certified Sommelier through CAPS and subsequently through the Court of Masters in 2009. Mary Jane hopes to one day travel to Spain and explore the many fabulous wines that this region has to offer.


Jonathan MacCalder
Supervisor & Sommelier, E11even

Favourite Wine on List: 90 Comte Armand Pommard, Clos des Epeneaux, Burgundy, France


Jonathan joined the MLSE team with the opening of our newest restaurant e11even. Prior to joining the team he has worked in Sommelier and Head Sommelier roles across the globe. Most recently his time was spent in hatted restaurants in Sydney, such as the highly respected Quay and also at Hiltons Glass Brasserie. Prior to this he spent his time running the wine programs in Bermuda for Port O Call restaurant group.

Currently he spends his time primarily on the floor at e11even overseeing all aspects of service. His role also sees him behind the bar where he has a hand in forming the cocktail program along with Jonathan Gosenhauser.

Completing his WSET Advanced Certificate and his Court of Master Sommelier certified Sommelier certificate Jonathan is another member of the team with a focus on education. Along with classic training Jonathan has travelled to assorted wine regions from Burgundy to Barossa, Mendoza to Central Otago.



Marissa Kelly
Supervisor & Sommelier, E11even

Favourite Wine on List: Chateau Maligny, 1er Cru Vau de Vay Chablis, Burgundy, France


Marissa has gained a great deal of experience working in Toronto restaurants. Quickly falling in love with the industry, Marissa was inspired to pursue a career path in hospitality. Educated through CAPS and trained by some of Torontos most esteemed sommeliers, Marissa has been involved in a variety of prominent wine programs throughout the city. She has supplemented her training by travelling to other wine producing countries such as Italy and New Zealand to participate in the winemaking side of the business. Marissa has also run a small cellar program in Torontos hot Ossington strip and has worked in venues such as Scarpetta, and Terroni. As one of the newest members of the MLSE sommelier team, Marissa is very excited for a great season!


Nick Stam
Dining Room Manager & Sommelier, Chairmans Suite

Favourite Wine on List: Krug Grand Cuvee


Nick attended Kenyon College, in Gambier, Ohio. After graduating with a BA in history in 2001, he moved to Toronto to pursue his passion for food and wine. Since then, he has worked with a number of notable chefs, including Susur Lee, David Lee, Jamie Kennedy and Andrew Milne-Allan. In 2009, Nick received the Brian Kirkwood Memorial Scholarship Award, which is awarded to the top achieving Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) student in Canada. Nick completed his WSET diploma in 2010. In addition to being a member of the MLSE sommelier team, Nick teaches throughout Ontario as a certified WSET educator.


nikkileighmckean.com Anne Martin
Assistant Sommelier, Air Canada Club

Favourite Wine on List: Pesquera Reserva, Ribera del Duero, Spain

Anne Martin believes that wine tasting should be fun and accessible. My goal is to get people interested and excited about wine, says Martin. Im constantly surprised to hear so many people say they are intimidated by wine tasting. I try to dispel any pretense about wine and make it a truly welcoming, interactive experience.

As a certified sommelier with over 20 years of experience, Anne Martin became one of the first female Sommeliers in Toronto, at Prego della Piazza, and went on to serve as Head Sommelier at the highly regarded Canoe Restaurant and Bar. Martin is also a qualified chef, bringing a holistic approach to wine and food. Anne Martin is also a wine writer for Canadian Living and Canadian House and Home, and is a valued asset to the team.


Rosa Loizzo
Assistant Sommelier, Air Canada Club

Favourite Wine on List: 2005 Savennieres, Nicolas Joly, Clos de la Bergerie,Loire Valley, France


Rosa was born and raised in Toronto. She worked for many years in the hospitality industry, gaining experience and developing a passion for food and wine. While travelling in Europe, Rosa was inspired by the rich diversity of culture and cuisine. She then went on to become co-owner of a busy countryside restaurant in Prince Edward Country for several years. Eventually, Rosa returned to Toronto to pursue studies in wine. She attended both George Brown and Niagara Colleges, while working for Compass Group Canada Dining Services. As a stagier at Paese Restaurant, Rosa trained with a Master Sommelier Bruce Wallner, and was subsequently invited to join the wine team. She achieved her certified Sommelier level through the Court of Master Sommeliers as well as CAPS in 2010.


Lorie O'Sullivan
Assistant Sommelier, Platinum Club

Favourite Wine on List: Pascal Marchand, Avalon Pinot Noir, Burgundy, France


Based in Toronto, Canada, Lorie is back for her 5th season in the Platinum Club restaurant, located in the Air Canada Centre. Lorie previously worked as a rotating Sommelier at the HSBC Wine Lounge, located in the Rogers Centre in Toronto and develops award-winning wine lists for restaurants like The Lakeview in Toronto.

Lorie received her Sommelier diploma through the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers in 2006, where she attended classes at both Niagara and George Brown Colleges. She has also completed Wine Fundamentals I & II through the International Sommelier Guild and has earned the Wine and Spirit Education Trust Intermediate and Advanced diplomas. Lorie passed the Court of Master Sommeliers certified exam in Columbus, Ohio in June 2008 and is now studying for her Advanced level diploma. Prior to becoming a Sommelier, Lorie worked at a number of top Toronto restaurants such as Rain, Luce and Didier.

Born and raised in the heart of Niagara wine country, Lorie is a big fan of Ontario, Burgundy, New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa wine regions. She looks forward to interesting wines coming out of Prince Edward County. Lories favourite food and wine pairing is Gevrey-Chambertin and Duck Confit. This medium plus red wine paired with the richness of the duck is an absolute match made in heaven.


Sara d'Amato
Assistant Sommelier, Platinum Club

Favourite Wine on List: Masciarelli, Marina Cvetic Montepulciano, Abruzzo, Italy


Sara began her career as a wine maker, and has worked in cellars both in Niagara and in France and formerly as Sommelier of Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto. A graduate of the University of Toronto and of Niagara Colleges winery and viticulture technician program, she was the youngest and only woman to win the grand prize at Canadian Renaissance Wine Tasting Challenge in 2006 as featured in CBCs Wine Confidential Documentary. Sara has been awarded the Ontario Hostelierys Top 30 Under 30 Award and is a staunch promoter of local wine and gastroculture. Sara is a member of the Wine Writers Circle of Canada, sits on the Board of the Ontario chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers and participates in judging wine competitions across the country. Sara currently works in service as a Sommelier for Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment in the Platinum Club. Sara is also a well known writer for the likes of Vines Magazine and critic for WineAlign.


Laurel Finlay
Wine Porter

Favourite Wine on List: Masciarelli, Marina Cvetic Montepulciano, Abruzzo, Italy


Upon graduating from Queens University in Art History, Laurel began working in the hospitality industry. She began taking some beginner wine courses through George Brown and attending wine events through the Ontario Wine Society. She also travelled to Europe and spent the summer in France. Since then, Laurel has decided to pursue a future in wine. She is currently enrolled in the CAPS program and is planning on taking her Court of Master Sommeliers Certified Sommelier certification next September.




nikkileighmckean.com