Born and raised in Cobourg, Ontario, Stephen earned an Honours B.A. from McMaster University in 1998 and an M.A. in Ethnomusicology from York University in 2002. His studies at York surrounded Chicago Blues master Howlin’ Wolf where Stephen completed the first significant work on the legendary singer – scholarly or otherwise. Stepping off the path to further academic study, Stephen moved into the music industry spending 7 years in marketing and media relations for major record labels - most recently for the world’s largest label as Director of Marketing for Universal Music Canada in Toronto.

While honing his marketing skills in the fast-paced and ever-changing music industry, Stephen simultaneously cultivated his wine knowledge as he completed the Level 1 and 2 Wine Fundamentals Certifications with the International Sommelier Guild. Consulting with Malivoire on the label re-design and website refreshment led to a full-time and permanent move for Stephen in April of 2009 as our new Director of Sales and Marketing.

At the winery, Stephen is frequently found clutching pen, paper and typing on his blackberry with nose firmly inserted into a glass – ready to plan the release of our next vintage.