Firerock Lounge: Rare Wines of Europe, a Somm Guided Tasting

Indulge in an evening of fine wines, delicious bites, and expert insights at the Firerock Lounge.

Taste through a minimum of 8 highly allocated wines that rarely, if ever, make it onto retail shelves in a relaxed setting guided by 3 of Vancouver’s top wine professionals while enjoying delicious hors d ‘oeuvres prepared by chef Elliot Brass from the Grill & Vine restaurant.

A few cult wine producers already secured for you to sample include Génot-Boulanger of Burgundy, Vincent Pinard of Sancerre, Olivier Riviere of Rioja and Veyder Mallberg of Wachau.

You will also have the opportunity to purchase these exceptional wines to bring home with you.

Meet the Pros:

Bryant Mao - Sommelier of the Year 2015 and 2020.
Bryant Mao is a decorated sommelier with over 20 years of hospitality experience. His time leading the wine programs for the Hawksworth Restaurant Group over the past eight years and at London’s Michelin-starred Chez Bruce for four years before has made him a specialist in the fine wines of the world and granted him access to the most exciting new regions and producers in the market. He is bringing his experience managing cellars, inventory, purchasing, and providing wine service to private clients.

Rasoul Salehi
Rasoul began his career in the wine industry as soon as he turned legal and has quickly accumulated a vast knowledge and understanding of wine and wine industry. His education encompasses a bachelor’s in communications from Simon Fraser University which he completed with honors, along with an Advanced degree from WSET. He is a recipient of a scholarship to become "Certified Spanish Wine educator" a program offered through the "Society of Wine Educators". Rasoul’s working background includes teaching wine education seminars for corporate and food and wine events, as well as writing wine lists for top international and national hotels. As a passionate wine collector Rasoul now has a collection of over 1200 bottles.

Peter Rae
Peter started out in the food and beverage industry at a young age, progressing to Wine Director at one of Vancouvers top Boutique Hotels after he completed his studies at SFU in Economics. Peter holds the ISG Sommelier Diploma where he came top of his class in 2001 and completed the WSET Diploma in 2014. Peter’s most passionate about the wines of France and Italy.