About
At a young and impressionable age I was told that if you love what you do, you’ll never have to work a day in your life. After working many, many days I decided it was time to start loving what I do! I’m passionate about wine, travel and writing and those three passions come together at Ruby Suitcase.
I grew up in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. As I was growing up, the wine region was growing up around me. I’m now based in Vancouver after having lived in Japan, Greece, Ireland and Scotland. I’ve decided to stay put in this beautiful city. While my address will remain the same I will keep up my travel addiction.
I hold a Bachelor of Journalism (high honours) from Carleton University in Ottawa. I’ve been writing professionally for over ten years, including stories for The Georgia Straight, Vendor Magazine, Wineries Refined, Urban Diner and Edible British Columbia’s Amuse Bouche Food Blog. I served as PWAC Vancouver president of the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) from 2009-2011 and in that role I was recognized with the 2010 PWAC Regional Volunteer Award for British Columbia.
I am a Certified Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers. I completed this program with the help of a scholarship from Les Dames d’Escoffier British Columbia, on behalf of Mission Hill Winery. I have completed the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 certification, a specialist qualification in the evaluation of wines and I am currently pursuing my WSET Diploma. I have become a French Wine Scholar. I lead wine tasting seminars at Firefly Fine Wines and Ales. I also love great photographs and have snapped most of the photos you see on Ruby Suitcase.
Like what you’re reading? Buy it. Like the style? Send me an assignment. If you have no such powers I am happy to have you check back regularly for updates and tell your friends about Ruby Suitcase.
Thanks for visiting!
Sheila Whittaker
sheila [at] rubysuitcase [dot] com
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