top of page
!
Widget Didn’t Load
Check your internet and refresh this page.
If that doesn’t work, contact us.

Wednesday November 26

image_edited.jpg

Canadian culture, wine & Expat life come together

ChatGPT Image Oct 28, 2025, 02_11_43 PM.png

Canadian Wine Tasting & Expat Masterclass

Join Canadians in London for an unforgettable evening of fine wine, culture, and community.

Begin your journey with a taste of Nova Scotia & Ontario Wine Country, enjoying a glass of Canadian wine paired with themed canapés. Expert partners will share practical insights on living, working, and thriving abroad, followed by an immersive Italian Wine Masterclass led by Bruno Besa — one of London’s most respected sommeliers and a long-time Decanter Judge. The journey continues as you learn about organic & non-organic Italian wines from different regions 

Event Program

  • Mark Sultana – Welcome & Canadians in London Overview

  • Dan Belmont – Canadian Wine  & Tasting & themed canapés.

  • Partner Presentations 

    • Wayne Bewick – Expat & Multi-Jurisdictional Tax Issues

    • Louisa Berry – Expat Banking Solutions

    • Simon Johnston – Smart Relocation Strategies

    • Warren Whyte – Beat the Banks & Save on FX Costs

    • Mike Gays – All Things Pet Relocation

  • Bruno Besa – Italian Wine Masterclass: 
    Bruno will reveal the secrets of tasting wine like a pro 
    Italian-inspired canapés will accompany the tasting, with notepads and pens available for notes (or your favourite wine app).

  • Post-Learning session - Tasting Tables - More Canapés, Canadian & Italian wine stations for further tastings and conversations. 

0404HeatherWaldronPhotography-CIL _5.jpg
0404HeatherWaldronPhotography-CIL _1.jpg

​​​​Exclusive Sidebar Sessions

 

The right advice can make the difference, so to make the most of the evening, we’re offering 15-minute one-on-one sidebar sessions with our partners. This is your chance to turn a great night of wine and conversation into connections that can make those important decisions easier, with tips from experts.

  • 15 mins free one to one expert advice

  • Relocation, Banking, Accounting or FX​​

Book in advance to secure your free session

The Expat Masterclass Team & Presenters

Bruno Besa Master Class Director

Bruno Besa is one of the UK’s most respected wine professionals, with over 30 years in the trade. Originally from Friuli, Italy, he began in restaurants at 15 before moving to London in 1986. Now Managing Director of Astrum Wine Cellars, he has championed top producers from Italy and Central Europe, earning a reputation for his refined palate and commitment to authenticity. A Decanter World Wine Awards judge since 2007, he also brings his expertise to competitions like the IWSC. His sommelier career includes roles at The Lanesborough and The Halkin, where he shaped acclaimed wine programs. Known for his discerning taste and love of terroir-driven wines, Bruno continues to influence the industry through judging, writing, and mentorship.

bruno besa.jpg

Louisa Berry - HSBC Expat

Louisa Berry is a seasoned business development professional at HSBC Expat, specialising in global mobility and expatriate banking solutions. With a strong track record in shaping strategic growth initiatives, Louisa brings expertise in tailored financial services for individuals living and working abroad. She is also an active voice in the global mobility community, frequently collaborating with industry networks and professionals.

Book a Sidebar with Louisa

0404HeatherWaldronPhotography-CIL _5.jpg

Wayne Bewick

Previously based in London for 12 years, Wayne Bewick is Managing Director at Trowbridge Professional Corporation, specialising in cross-border tax planning for expatriates and international clients. A CPA in both Canada and the U.S., as well as a Certified Financial Planner, Wayne has over two decades of experience advising globally mobile individuals. He regularly speaks at international forums on tax compliance, mobility, and expat financial strategies.

Book a Sidebar with Wayne

wayne bewick trowbridge lg.jpg

Simon Johnston & Vanessa Szmagara

Simon Johnston is CEO of Icon Relocation
Simon leads with a focus on innovation, strategic growth, and exceptional client service, bringing extensive leadership experience in global mobility. Vanessa oversees global quality & supply chain operations, ensuring seamless delivery, strong partnerships, and service excellence worldwide.

Book a Sidebar with Simon & Vanessa

icon people.jpg

Dan Belmont - Wine Educator 

Dan Belmont is a New York–born, London-based wine educator and entrepreneur, and the founder of Good Wine Good People — a wine club and importer dedicated to making wine discovery approachable and fun. A certified WSET Level 3 and American Wine Expert, Dan is known for his engaging style and deep knowledge of New York wines. He also works as Wine Ambassador for Liebherr UK and collaborates with leading producers and organizations to champion quality, authenticity, and great storytelling in wine.

Heather Waldron Photography-CIL3664-PS1.jpg

Warren Whyte

Warren Whyte is Head of Revenue at Halo Financial Ltd, a London-based foreign exchange specialist focused on providing cross-border transfer and FX risk mitigation solutions for both Expats & Businesses.

Book a Sidebar with Warren

0404HeatherWaldronPhotography-CIL _11.jpg

Mike Gays

Mike Gays is Managing Director of Global Pet Relocation, where he leads the company in delivering exceptional door-to-door pet transport services worldwide.  Having grown up in the sector as the son of a pet-relocation entrepreneur, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business & Politics from Aston University and now oversees strategic growth, operations, and client experience. 

Book a Sidebar with Mike

mike gays gpr.jpg

Mark Sultana

Mark Sultana is a Canadian-born entrepreneur and community leader based in London, best known as a driving force behind Canadians in London.

With more than 30 years of international experience across emerging industries, real estate, and community building, Mark has become a trusted voice within the expat community. Mark has been invited to speak on Sky News, CTV, Global & CBC Canada.

sky 4_edited.jpg

Featured Wines & Regions

nova socotia.png

 Nova Scotia

  • Lightfoot & Wolfville, Brut Rosé - 2020

  • Lightfoot & Wolfville, Flora - 2021

  • Lightfoot & Wolfville, Fauna - 2021

ontario wine.png

Ontario

  • Cave Spring, Riesling Ice Wine - 2023

  • Cave Spring, Gamay Beamsville Bench - 2023

  • Cave Spring, Pinot Noir Niagara Peninsula - 2021

italy wine.png

Italy

  • ADAMI Prosecco di Valdobbiaden Bosco di Gica Brut Adami

  • MONTE TONDO Soave Mito

  • AMOTERRA Trebbiano d'Abruzzo <Org. -

  • FOLLI & BENATO Barbera d'Asti

  • AMOTERRA Montepulciano d'Abruzzo <Org. 

  • CAIAFFA Primitivo Puglia <Org.

  • Instagram
  • Facebook Black Round
  • Twitter Black Round

© 2025 Canadians in London

bottom of page