About Us
Dream Wines imports fine wines and spirits from the most selective vineyards of the Old and New World. We represent hundreds of estates throughout the major wine regions of France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Oregon and California. We sell only to licensed distributors, fine restaurants and retail establishments; not directly to consumers. If you wish to try any of our wines, be sure to ask for them at your fine wine retailer or your favourite restaurant.
Operated by highly experienced sales and distribution team, Dream Wines helps their customers to identify solutions to product placement and selection challenges and by providing opportunities to maximize their return on investment. Quality prides itself in providing the highest level of service and commitment in the purchase, storage and delivery of products within provinces of Alberta and British Columbia.
To preserve both quality and integrity, most of our products are stored in our climate-controlled warehouse in Bordeaux before being ship to Canada.
“We believe our philosophy and approach, combined with our competitive strengths, distinguishes us in the marketplace for the benefit of our Customers and Vendors.”
Mission Statement
To utilize our knowledge of the wine and spirits industry and our commitment to quality service there by establishing both a profitable and pleasurable partnership with our Customers, Vendors and Employees…and to enjoy ourselves along the way.
Meet the Dream Wines Team
Eric Tetrault – President
Eric grew up in a Montreal family surrounded by wine and food. He worked as an art dealer in Montreal for several years, and further developed his love for art and wine. In 2003, he founded Dream Wines in Alberta, and expanded to BC in 2006. Married at Chateau Angludet in Margaux, and has two boys, Nathan and Harry. Although Eric loves Bordeaux, he also has a soft spot for top California Cabernets, Pinot from Burgundy and Champagne. He’s also a car enthusiast and can often be found on a race track in the summer months. Eric is a graduate from HEC University in Montreal, International Business.
Email: eric@dreamwines.ca
Brian Gunsten – VP
Growing up in Vancouver, Brian worked in the local restaurant scene and this is where he developed his passion for wine. After completing the WSET program in 2000 he shortly after convinced his girlfriend to make a move to Calgary and try their luck. When he arrived in Calgary, he worked for a couple more restaurants and then for a local wine importer. Attempting his fate with becoming a triple threat he moved into the retail side and ran a couple of top wineshops for a few years.
In 2007, Brian joined Dream Wines. His time in the wine industry has allowed Brian to travel to nearly all wine producing regions around the globe, and to taste the world’s best wines. Brian’s goal with Dream Wines is to bring the world’s best wines to Canada.
Brian is married with two kids, Max and Sofia. His advice for wine lovers out there: “Remember variety is the spice of life and drink more delicious whites, sparkling and rose. Down with the 100 point rating system.”
Email: brian@dreamwines.ca
Lionel King – British Columbia Sales Manager
Lionel King’s experience with wine has been his passion for over 20 years. It has become part of his lifestyle and has travelled extensively through various parts of the world. These have included extensive trips to most of the top wine growing regions which include Argentina, Australia, California, France, Italy, California, Washington and Canada’s wine region of the Okanagan. Lionel has a passion for all wines and does have a deep appreciation for the wines of southern France.
Lionel’s experience in the Hotel and Restaurant Industry has given him a solid foundation for his success and an appreciation for the top wines and cuisine on the international scene. Lionel has worked for over twelve years in sales and marketing of some of the world’s top wine brands.
Lionel has a passion for his family and his work life. He enjoys and is an avid skier and golfer. Whenever he gets a chance you will find him sailing or travelling to new parts of the world.
Email: lionel@dreamwines.ca
Elizabeth Clinton – British Columbia Sales
Originally from London, Ontario, Elizabeth moved to Vancouver to study at Simon Fraser University. A Bachelor of Arts in Criminology was meant to be a step toward law school, but a few detours led to a passion for wine and a commitment to the wine industry in 2007. Elizabeth completed WSET Advanced studies and spent her first term with an import agency selling unique, premium Greek wines into the Vancouver fine dining and private retail market. Now with Dream Wines, Elizabeth has the pleasure of selling some of the greatest wines in the world, and remains committed to further education and professional development.
Elizabeth is an avid practitioner of Ashtanga yoga, busy mother to Regan and Milan, and can be found promoting the enjoyment of wine in her community. She still has a fondness for the Greeks – particularly Agiorgitiko and Assyrtiko – but also enjoys a beautiful Riesling, Gruner or Bordeaux.
Email: elizabeth@dreamwines.ca
Brad Brannen – Alberta Sales
Although born and raised in Vancouver, Brad Brannen graduated from high school in Virginia before embarking on a brief but distinguished career as a professional dancer. Performing in countless shows internationally, Brad had the opportunity to work with several internationally recognized ballet companies including Ballet BC, and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.
After hanging up his tights, Brad decided to pursue a career in marketing and sales; graduating from the Marketing Management program at BCIT. Brad comes to Dream Wines after nearly 10 years in the hospitality and wine industry.
Brad is always exploring his passion for wine through his love of cooking and, although he always loves trying new things, he has a certain affinity for the great Pinots of the world and the rustic wines of Italy. When he isn’t coifing a glass of wine or visiting the great wine regions of the world, Brad enjoys an active lifestyle involved in sports of all types including golf, snowboarding, soccer, baseball, cycling and cross-fit.
Email: brad@dreamwines.ca
Christie Vaughan – Alberta Sales
Christie is one of our newest additions to the Dream Wines team. She was born and raised in Nanaimo, BC and has spent her professional career working for local and international restaurants and hotels, such as Walt Disney World and Fairmont. Christie has a diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Malaspina University in Nanaimo. Over the past 10 years, she developed a passion and love for wine. Because of this passion, she went on to complete her Diploma with the International Sommelier Guild and is now a Sommelier. She can usually be seen out and about in the Calgary scene drinking a glass of her favourite Riesling or Pinot Noir.
Email: christie@dreamwines.ca
Sandrina Saldanha – Logistics Officer
B.Comm, ISG & WSET Sommelière
Daughter of a winemaker, Sandrina’s practical knowledge in the wine industry started over 20 years ago at her family’s Blue Grouse Estate Winery. Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce in International Business, she continued to work as the general manager of the winery. She later expanded her wine experience as Sommelier, Wine Educator, and Events Manager in Calgary, Alberta.
Among her many accomplishments in the industry, she hosted a radio show called Wine Wednesday and is also the former President of the Vancouver Island Vintners Association. Sandrina was recently the Dining Room Instructor and Sommelier of Culinaria Restaurant at the Art Institute’s International Culinary School in Vancouver. Today she continues to be a part-time Wine Educator.
Sandrina is married and full-time mother to her daughter Gisèle. Sandrina is trilingual with fluency in French, German and English. She joined the Dream Wines team in 2010.
Email: sandrina@dreamwines.ca
