Master Taster

Master Taster Dr. John McTavish is a Canadian wine educator, sommelier, and seasoned academic based in the Niagara Wine Region of Ontario, Canada. Born in Toronto, John has spent over 20 years as a college and university professor, earning his PH.D. in Educational Science. He is the author of multiple textbooks and scholarly articles on learning and has delivered seminars and keynote presentation around the world. 

With a passion for wine education, wine tasting, and wine tourism, John has visited more than 70 countries across all continents, exploring diverse cultures, languages, and winemaking traditions. 

The Journey into Wine

John’s path to wine began during a professional project in Bolivia and Peru, where he was invited as a curriculum expert to design post-secondary wine and viticulture programs. While collaborating with winemakers as the educational design specialist, John realized that to truly bridge education and wine, he needed to deepen his own wine knowledge. 

Returning to Canada, John immersed himself in studying wine and winemaking – combining his expertise in language, culture, geography, and hospitality into the perfect field. Today, he shares that knowledge through wine tasting seminars, wine and cheese pairing events, and wine education workshops for both private and corporate clients. 

Passion Meets Expertise

John’s approach to wine is rooted in storytelling and cultural appreciation. He believes that wine is more than a beverage – it’s a connection to terroir, tradition, and community. Whether guiding guests through Niagara’s award-winning Chardonnays, teaching about Old World vs. New World wines, or leading interactive tastings, John delivers engaging and memorable experiences.