Meet your wine angels
Lesle Gibson
As one of the city’s renowned hosts, Lesle’s attention to detail and dedication to her clients has made her something of a legend in the hospitality and wine industry. Her career spans over 20 years and she has successfully opened trendy hotspots in both Toronto and LA.
A longtime Sommelier, Lesle has embarked on the highlight of her career with Gibson Family Group creating a home for her wine angels. With every producer embraced and every wine hand selected, it is her goal to share her passion with those she meets, expanding her wine family along the way. GFG combines Lesle’s many years of experience with her personal touch, love for service and interest in exceptional wine.
Stephanie Christian
Stephanie is a certified sommelier and GFG’s Creative Director & Event Strategist. She combines her deep knowledge of wine with a passion for storytelling, creating engaging experiences that connect with her audience.
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She works closely with restaurants to refine their wine lists and helps private clients build well-curated cellars. Stephanie also handles the planning and execution of events, ensuring everything runs smoothly and provides a positive experience for guests.
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In addition to her operational role, Stephanie is involved in GFG’s marketing strategy, developing content that brings wine-related topics to life in an approachable and engaging way. Whether through social media or other marketing initiatives, she works to connect with wine enthusiasts and bring attention to the diverse world of wine.
Carissa Gibson
As the new kid on the block, Carissa’s wine schooling has just begun. This mother of 3 and partner of GFG completed her WSET 2 and is eager to continue the journey.
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Having been surrounded by a wine passionate family and influenced by great pairings throughout the years, her growing appreciation has tuned her palate.
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Her approach is honest and pure. With the love of family and enthusiasm for the grape, Carissa is a natural wine angel.
Dustin Peters
Dustin is an award-winning composer, hospitality pro and an ardent traveler. He recently formalized his wine education with the WSET2, deepening his knowledge of wine. Dustin particularly enjoys learning about farming practices and environmental aspects of winemaking and viticulture. Alongside his roles as a devoted father and enthusiastic home chef, Dustin continues to explore the wonderful world of wine with unwavering passion.
Ryan Zanette
Ryan comes from 10 years experience in the industry including a diploma in winemaking from Niagara College. He's completed winemaking harvests in Ontario, British Columbia, Germany and the United Kingdom and has worked in almost every part of the wine industry. His love for wine is only matched by his love for food and for cooking and entertainment. Ryan manages many of Toronto's top restaurant accounts and his favourite wine to sip on is Chardonnay from Burgundy!
Zoe Traiforos
Zoe has been immersed in the Toronto wine scene since the late 90’s. Graduating from the International Sommelier Guild in 2001, she curated some of TO’s coolest spots while slinging wine for a few top agencies at the time. Past representative for the Champagne houses Krug and Veuve Clicquot, Zoe also partnered with Lesle creating their famed Champagne Monday’s before switching focus to full time mom of her three gorgeous girls. Launching her olive oil Single Grove in 2015, Zoe participated in the International Culinary Centre’s inaugural olive oil sommelier course in 2016 (NYC).
Zoe continually shares her passion and knowledge for all grapes and is excited to join forces with Lesle once more.
Katie Gibson
Katie has worked for over 20 years helping children and families as a social worker.
She is passionate about travel and wine, and is an aficionado when it comes to rose and bubbles. Katie has completed her WSET 2 and looks forward to the next level.
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As a mother of two teens, Katie balances parenting with great wine and humour.
She loves networking and building relationships, and along with her enthusiasm for the grape, Katie is a natural Wine Angel and easily earned her wings.
Tahnee Lloyd-Smith
As the consummate hostess, Tahnee is always bringing humour, great wine and good food to any gathering. She strongly believes that every experience should be elevated to the fullest. Tahnee has curated exceptionally detailed events for celebrities, notable brands and top restauranteurs and it is here where her true passion for food and wine was cultivated.
As a fashion designer and founder of Pretty Denim as well as an interior design enthusiast, Tahnee puts creativity and enthusiasm at the heart of everything she does. Her infectious personality makes her the life of every party and the perfect person to help plan all things wine as the ultimate wine concierge.
Anna Jaeger
Anna Jaeger is a Toronto ex-pat who recently took up residence in our nation's capital. She has had over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, having worked in a diverse range of capacities from fine restaurants, hotels and bars in Toronto to the supper clubs of Montreal. She is a seasoned wine consultant, wine enthusiast, and has completed Level 1 Court of Masters.
She is also a mom of 2 young children, and a professional dancer/actor/model who moonlights as a burlesque showgirl. When she's not momming, mixing cocktails or dancing on bar tops and stages, Anna is a student of Holistic Nutrition at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. A self-professed yoga junkie, Anna is in pursuit of learning the key to living a healthy and balanced lifestyle that cultivates a positive relationship between good food, fine wine and good health.