Hello,
I’m Laurie MacKay
Welcome to Soulvines!
“Wine isn’t simply a drink - it’s a journey. Every bottle carries the story of the people who crafted it, the place it comes from, and the moment in time it was made. When you begin to see wine this way, every glass becomes an experience.”
Sometimes I wonder if I found wine or if wine found me.
After studying economics and political science, I imagined a career in public service and worked at both the Alberta Legislature and the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. When I moved to Calgary, I took a part-time job at Kensington Wine Market, one of the city’s most respected wine shops.
It didn’t take long before wine completely captured my imagination. Soon I left my full-time career behind and dove head first into the wine world.
That decision opened doors I never could have predicted. I became a certified sommelier and, since 2006, have been the drinks columnist for CBC Radio One in Calgary. I regularly judge wine competitions including the Alberta Beverage Awards, the Stampede Cellar Showdown International Wine Competition and Judgement of British Columbia.
One of the highlights of my career came in 2010 when I won first prize at the Kobrand International Wine Seminar competition in Sonoma, California.
My work continues to evolve. In 2022, I combined my love of wine, travel and storytelling by collaborating with Expedia Cruises to create a customized 10-day deluxe river cruise through the Danube wine regions.
I’m fortunate to live in Calgary for many reasons, including Alberta’s unique privatized alcohol market. It has created one of the most exciting wine scenes in Canada with an incredible diversity of wines, spirits and beers available.
And nothing gives me more pleasure than discovering a hidden gem and sharing it, whether on the air, in print or across the table.
Testimonial
“Above and beyond! We worked with Laurie for the first time in 2022 when servicing a VIP event. Laurie was professional, easy to collaborate and communicate with and delivered a very knowledgeable and memorable experience. We were impressed. So much so that we secured Laurie’s services again to conduct our corporate wine tasting experience during our marquee 10-day festival. Laurie displayed a natural ability to command the audience with a welcoming and friendly tone. Since the inception of the Western Oasis Wine Garden, this was hands down the best sommelier experience and execution to date!”
- Jay Butcher - Catering & Convention Manager, The Calgary Stampede