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.
Stephane holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MSc) from the Université de Sherbrooke, as well as a diploma in Sommelier studies from the ITHQ. He worked for nearly 10 years at the SAQ as an Categories Director.
His first major project with the SAQ was “Origine Québec,” aimed at enhancing the visibility of locally produced alcoholic beverages. At the same time, he was also responsible for wine purchasing and marketing on a global scale. With 25 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, Stéphane is a team player with a diverse skill set, driven to push his team beyond their limits. Psst… he’s a hunter and angler—ask him for a wine pairing for wild game, and you’ll make his day!
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.
Guillaume has been gaining experience in the wine and spirits industry since he was 18. He began his career in the Société des Alcools du Québec (SAQ) stores, where he held the position of Branch Operations Coordinator for 9 years. After gaining solid experience in operations and team management, Guillaume honoured several mandates as substitute store director. In 2014, he joined the Divin Paradis team as a marketing analyst. In the meantime, he excelled in a 2-year mandate for a multinational specializing in bulk wine and local bottling. Guillaume expresses his passion and shares his knowledge by developing innovative strategies to promote product quality and diversity. His expertise in the wine and spirits sector is based on a combination of practical experience and ongoing training, enabling him to keep constantly up to date with the latest trends and the most effective marketing techniques. His aim is to enable consumers to discover and fully appreciate the pleasures of the table.
Born and bred in France, she moves to England shortly after finishing her master’s in marketing. After a few years in Real Estate, she finally decides to make a living out of her passion for wine starting as a shop assistant in a wine store to then joining the Buying team of Majestic Wine, the largest wine specialist in the UK. Along the way she manages the creation of numerous own labels and tertiary brands for the company. After a few years back in France working as an NPD & Marketing manager for a negociant, she finally settles in Canada, starting with Dream Wine, a fine wine agency in BC & AB before joining Divin Paradis in Quebec. WSET4 graduate with Merits, she is passionate about discovering terroirs and unlocking wine family secrets. When she is not enjoying a glass of wine, she likes hiking, running & baking.
With a long-standing passion for the restaurant industry, Catherine has held a variety of roles in the field, from server to bartender, eventually co-founding a staffing agency specializing in bar personnel. After earning a bachelor's degree in marketing communications, she continued her career as a sales analyst and representative for another agency, before spending over a decade in the media industry, where she refined her skills in business development and marketing strategy.
Now Brand Manager at Divin Paradis, she draws on her diverse background to elevate the agency’s portfolio through strategic vision, hands-on experience, and contagious energy.
Outside of work, Catherine finds balance through rock climbing, yoga, and backpacking — always in search of new adventures… and great wines!
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!
Geneviève has over 18 years' experience in the field: she started out in the wine business when she came of age, working in a SAQ store for almost 10 years. With a bachelor's degree in Communications and Marketing from Université Laval, she switched to SAQ head office in 2012 for a mandate in planography. In 2014, she joined Divin Paradis. Over the years, Geneviève gained experience in another agency and finally returned to her roots at Divin Paradis in 2023. In her spare time, Geneviève enjoys any activity that includes a platter of oysters or a tennis racket!
Sandrine joined Divin Paradis in 2023 as an accountant. With 25 years of experience in accounting, including 14 in the field, she’s using her knowledges to manage and improve procedures. Always attentive, she strives to respond to the requests of both colleagues and producers. Coming straight from Belgium, the country of beer, she discovered the world of wine with great pleasure. When she is not busy juggling accounts, she devotes herself to her family, her daughters and her volunteer work at school!
Sabrina joined the Divin Paradis team in 2024, bringing with her over 10 years' experience in accounting. After several years in the pharmaceutical industry, she felt the need to take on new challenges and breathe new life into her career.It was with great enthusiasm that she turned to the world of wine, a field as exciting as it is rewarding.Today, she puts her accounting skills at the service of Divin Paradis, with rigor and passion.
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 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.
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.
Laurie made her debut at the SAQ at the age of 19, where over the next four years - in parallel with her bachelor's degree in kinesiology - she refined her palate, enhanced her technical knowledge and developed the contagious pleasure of helping customers, friends and colleagues discover new products. As a Certified WSET Level 2, Laurie now devotes her energy to Divin Paradis: building bridges between inspiring producers and curious wine lovers, and offering everyone a memorable experience, one glass at a time.
A long-time enthusiast of the culinary world, Olivier decided to study catering at the ITHQ, where he completed international training in cuisine and gastronomy. During his time there, he also completed advanced training in cuisine, as well as basic training in sommellerie. This led to an internship at the Michelin-starred Jardin des Remparts in Beaune, Burgundy. On his return, he turned to Le Manoir Hovey to continue his apprenticeship for 2 years. After several enriching experiences, he turned to studies in journalism, media arts and technology. During his studies, he became interested in the world of viticulture and oenology. He then joined the ranks of the SAQ for 4 years as a cashier-salesman and substitute manager. During this time, his knowledge of wine grew. He then decided to join the Divin Paradis team to combine his love of oenology, communications and not forgetting food and wine pairing. What's more, if you're lucky enough to meet him, he's sure to surprise you with his signature phrase: “Bonjour, here’s Olivier Bonjour”.
