Chris Fuccillo Bio
In March 2005, Christopher Fuccillo proudly joined Pillitteri Estates Winery, a prestigious Niagara-on-the-Lake family winery producing 600,000 L of wine annually, as the Wine Experience Manager and Winery Host. Pillitteri has been the world's leader in estate bottled Icewine since 2002 and has recently won best Ontario winery at the All Canadian Wine Championships, finishing second as the best winery in Canada. Christopher's philosophy at the winery is to first and foremost educate, while at the same time creating a wine experience that will have created an emotional attachment. As Chris likes to explain, "Every style of wine has its moment to shine".

Chris foresees the wine industry turning into the wine service industry. With his strong service background and work history Chris would like to focus his efforts on offering all potential students and wine travelers the best experience possible. "People are looking to be entertained with wine lingo and a piece of that winery to take with them. It's not just about a winery having bad or good wine anymore, you are our guests and wine is and always will be a moment in time shared.

Previous to joining Pillitteri Chris was the Manager at the beautifully landscaped Chateau des Charmes in St David's. Chris was the first non-family member to be entrusted with this position and was instrumental in creating one of the most successful seasons in the winery's history. Chateau des Charmes Winery has a rich tradition in winemaking and was the second winery in Niagara to be granted a winery license, almost thirty years ago. It holds old world values and was a great place for Chris to spend two years watching the seasons unfold and the vines grow to life, while sharing in the meticulous ways of four generations of winemakers.

Chris traveled extensively through Canada after graduating from Mohawk College with a diploma in Business Management. He settled in Toronto after seeking a serving job in Toronto's entertainment district, landing a serving position at the widely acclaimed Kit-Kat restaurant. During his time in Toronto, Chris experienced first hand the demands of urban customer service and professionalism. Chris grew a fondness for the service and entertaining aspect of customer service.

After four years at the Kit-Kat an opportunity arose at the famous Trattoria di Umberto Restaurant, located in the heart of Whistler Village, BC. He worked with one of the worlds first marketable Chefs over the past forty years (the first Emeril). This experience enhanced tremendously his wine knowledge and worldly outlook of the wine and culinary business. The possibilities within the industry prompted Chris to take a six month excursion of the California coast and embark on a journey through wine country. This experience evoked his current passion and thirst for wine knowledge.

Returning to British Columbia, Canadian Pacific Hotels was merging with the prestigious Fairmont Hotels. This business venture gave Chris the opportunity he was looking for- to take his service standards to new heights while hosting very famous people and dignitaries. Landing a position with the Wildflower at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort, Chris worked extensively in wine sales, and paired gourmet foods with wines from the dining room's award winning wine list. Over the next four years it was with great opportunity that Chris hosted famous people, most notably serving the G-8 summit main dinner with the Prime Ministers of the free world, hosted by Colin Powell.

During this time Chris studied wine full time for six months studying at the French Culinary School of Dubrille, taught by the International Sommeliers guild Vice President Mark Davidson and. After completion Chris took advantage of Fairmont's transfer opportunities, and landed on the pink shores of Bermuda serving wine in the Newport Room, the Island's only five star restaurant, located in the Southampton Fairmont Hotel. The fortunate or unfortunate events of hurricane Fabian crippled the Hotel for the next seven months and work was delayed forcing Chris to make his way back home, fortunately, to what is now Canada's premier wine country destination, Niagara-on-the Lake.
Just before starting at Chateau des Charmes, Chris held the Sommeliers position at Niagara Falls' best fine dining Italian Restaurant, Casa Mia Ristorante. Simultaneously, he opened his own consulting company,

ME-N-U Wine Consulting. In this capacity he consults with clients on their personal wine collections, hosts private and corporate functions, consults on special occasions and intimate dinners with a food and wine theme.

We have all traveled far and wide in search of beautiful places to create memories to be cherished.
It is here that that we will share great food and world class wine that has been meticulously prepared with a classic touch and an ageless passion.

The life that breathes in each bottle of wine is waiting to be explored.
In your journey of seeking out rare experiences it is my wish and commitment to be your guide in those special moments.

It is in a bottle of wine that life lives.
It is in the opening of a bottle of wine that life is shared.
Life is short! May the run in your wine be long?

Christopher M. Fuccillo