Meet the Team
Marisa Varas
CEO + Managing Director
Marisa’s journey into the wine industry seemed inevitable. It was one which combined her passion for people and appreciation for culture and tradition. As Marisa developed her palate at a young age through family wine tastings in their cellar, time further piqued her curiosity.
Upon completing her B.A. in Cultural Geography (with a minor in business) from the University of Victoria, Canada, Marisa went on to travel throughout many European wine regions. She continued on to achieve her MBA at Regents University, in London, UK. Returning home to Vancouver, she recognized the importance in combining her undeniable passion for wine with continued education, and so she pursued WSET courses while working for a local wine agency.
Marisa brings to AmoVino varied and effective skills entwined within her love of people. She is fluent in English and Spanish.
Nabila Lalani
Sales & Marketing Manager
Like the rest of our team, Nabila is passionate about food & wine. Her excitement began during a university semester abroad in the South of France, although deep down she always knew she was destined to pursue her passion and love for beautiful wine, learning about the terroir & viticulture in which they originate, and pairing them with delicious food!
With 10+ years of sales, marketing, and client relationship experience, and her continued formal wine education through the WSET program (with aspirations to one day complete her Diploma), Nabila is a fantastic addition to the AmoVino team
Outside of work, she loved to travel, explore new places, and stay active. You’ll find her on a long run or walk, at a Pilates class, or try something new outdoors! Or maybe just sharing a bottle of French chardonnay & a good meal with friends
Jessica Klose
Vancouver Territory Manager
Jessie’s passion for organic and sustainable wines and food made her feel destined for the Amovino team, and it’s with drive and determination that she takes on the role of Vancouver territory manager. Jessie comes from a background of craft beer and corporate sales and is excited to apply her diverse experience to all things AmoVino. Beyond sales, you can find Jessie hiking the mountains, exploring B.C.’s beautiful and diverse terrain, or diving into a glass of B.C. Pinot Noir.
Jade Morice
Okanagan + Kootenay's Territory Manager
Working in a tiny VQA shop during University was where Jade really started to discover her passion for wine. Since then, she has had the opportunity to travel to many wine regions around the world, including Argentina, California, Italy and Chile, and has has continued her formal wine education through the WSET program – currently working towards completion of the WSET Diploma. Sales came naturally through her determined and enthusiastic work ethic, and throughout her career Jade has built strong relationships from working for large and small agencies in the Kootenay’s and Okanagan. Outside of work, Jade enjoys spending time with her three greyhound dogs, golfing, gardening and trying out new recipes in the kitchen – though her ultimate happy place is sitting on the patio with friends enjoying a beautiful glass of wine.
Pico Whittier
Vancouver Island Territory Manager
Pico (Pee-ko) is your Victoria resident cheesemaker and wine lover! If you don’t already know her, she was born in Northern England but quickly moved to Vancouver Island as a newborn, where she has been an Island Wine Rep for the past 5 years. Her wine journey began when her (now) husband introduced her to vintage port on the back deck of the cruise ship they were performing on in the Bahamas. She has now completed her WSET 3 and FWS, and visited wine regions all over the world. Now you can find her chasing after her beautiful toddler Nylah, rolling out fresh pasta for her beautifully braided mozzarella, and sharing the AmoVino portfolio with Vancouver Island!
Max Williamson
North Shore, Sea-to-Sky, and Tri-Cities Territory Manager
Born and Bred in Vancouver with strong roots in the Okanagan and Whistler, it comes with no surprise that Max found a way to combine that with a passion for wine and cocktails. Coming from a background of fine dining on both sides of the kitchen and bar, Max uses that experience and drive to excel in sales. Having had a chance to start his wine exploration in the more famous wine regions, he looks to explore new and exciting wines to bring to the table. When he can, you will find him on the mountain either skiing or hiking depending on the season or trying out new dishes in the kitchen with a glass of Northern Rhone in hand.
Alicia Siu
Communications Coordinator
Alicia comes from a hospitality and management background, most recently managing front of house for a wonderful restaurant in Vancouver Chinatown. Her love and appreciation for wine grew when she first started working in the industry. With every new grape varietal introduced, it’s difficult for her to choose a favourite. Outside of wine, you can find her creating art, boxing, or caring for her many animals.
Matt Landry
Head of Education
Matt Landry joined the AmoVino team recently, bringing his incredible wealth of knowledge of wines with him. He will be keeping the AmoVino team sharp, organizing trade tastings and educational seminars, by taking on the role of Head of Education.