our team
office
François Gignac
President 

The wine domain has very few (or no?) secrets for François, a graduate in superior sommelerie with sensory analysis from the University of wine Château de Suze-La-Rousse, in France. He worked for many years as a product expert at the SAQ, notably as a taster-editor and trainer in the 'Les Connaisseurs' department, in addition to being a guest taster at the prestigious World Wine Selections of Canada competition. In the agency for more than a decade, he has been at the forefront of new trends and now uses his in-depth knowledge of the product and the market, as well as his sense of analysis and detail, with many producers, with whom he has built solid and long-lasting business relationships, to the delight of Quebec consumers.  

Mario paradis
Vice President

With a bachelor’s degree from the University of Montreal in Industrial Relations, his passion for wine led him to set up Divin Paradis more than 25 years ago. Since that time, he has been made a member of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin (Brotherhood of the Knights of a Wine-Tasting Cup) in Burgundy, a sign that he will forever keep his love for wine.With the experience of hundreds of fairs around the world, all these assets help him to propel this beautiful agency to the highest peaks by finding products capable of satisfying the most demanding Quebec consumers.

Mathieu Therriault 
Director of Development and Account Management 

Mathieu worked for almost 10 years at the SAQ. It was while working there as a student that he discovered his passion for wines and spirits, first as a seller and then as a store operations coordinator. After completing his studies in marketing communications, he moved to the head office to put his talents to use in space planning for the network and then as a marketing analyst where he helped implement the Inspire program. He joined the Divin Paradis team in 2016. He has since obtained his WSET 3 diploma with merit and distinction. We recognize him for his jovial mood and when he is not spending time scouting for new beers, he enjoys exploring new technologies.

Vanessa Brown
Account and Social Media Manager

With a Bachelor's degree in communications and public relations, Vanessa has long worked in the visual arts world as a gallery owner and collection manager. It is through meetings and friendships with a wide range of wine artisans that she developed her passion and refined her knowledge of wines. Since then, her love of challenges and her go-getter spirit led her to obtain her WSET certification and to start working as an agency representative, first with the SAQ, and then specializing in private imports. She was also responsible for the marketing and events aspects of a major agency in Quebec, as well as coordinating the management of social networks.

Emma Mrani Alaoui 
Account Manager Coordinator

Emma came straight from France with the conviction to explore the secrets of the Quebec alcoholic beverage market. During her studies, she quickly specialized in the trade and law of wines and spirits, which she loves, especially around the North American markets. After two Masters and an internship in Montreal, Divin Paradis took her under its wing and gave her the opportunity to join the team as an account management coordinator. A great adventure begins for her!  

Jacinthe Major 
Accounting Assistant  

Jacinthe, a little ray of sunshine, always smiling and helpful. She is in the field since 2009. She has had the chance to acquire a lot of experience over the years. She touched a little bit of everything as an administrative assistant. Now in accounting, her lifelong passion, she has finally found her calling! She started with Focus Cellars which joined Divin Paradis in 2013, so has been part of the family for a long time. She enjoys spending her free time caring for her son and shopping.

Sales team
Nicolas Treilhou 
sales director

Nicolas has been part of the Divin Paradis team since 2014. He has more than 10 years of experience as a manager and sales representative. Born in the original Syrah region, passionate about viticulture and gastronomy, it was after a long journey of travels and discoveries that he decided to put down his glass in Montreal.

Alphonse Lepage 
sales representative

Alphonse has worked as a sales representative for nearly 12 years at Divin Paradis. He studied hotel management and then rose through rank in various luxury hotels and renowned restaurants across Canada. Passionate about wine, he continued his studies and completed his ASP as a sommelier in 2004. What he loves above all is having friends at home to share a good meal and his latest wine find. If you meet him somewhere, talk to him about Beaujolais or Burgundy wines, you will see his eyes shine.

Martyne Pesant 
sales representative

Prior to her passion for wine, Martyne was a special events coordinator, a sales representative trainer for the perfume/beauty division of a French multinational. It was while traveling abroad, visiting a vineyard, that she became interested in wine and decided to take a sommelier course. This was the first of many experiences in the world of wine. In 2016, through her company Vini-Santé, she offered her services as a sommelier consultant to Divin Paradis. To this day, Martyne enthusiastically represents the agency, sharing her knowledge and love of wine with professionals in the SAQ, on social networks, at business fairs and more. Martyne is also a Slowfood volunteer, a movement that reflects her concerns for healthy and organic food, the environment, and general well-being.

Alain Provost 
sales representative

In the wine business for more than 20 years, he stands out for his knowledge, leadership and communication skills. Finally, his taste for refinement and good food are an integral part of his lifestyle.