We’re looking forward to introducing you to Gurvinder Bhatia. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Gurvinder, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The only part of my day that tends to be “normal” is the first 90 minutes. I generally wake up sometime between 4:30-5:30am (without an alarm), read the New York Times online, play a few mind games (Wordle, Connections, Sports Connections, the mini crossword, Elevate), check the sports scores from the day before, make myself breakfast (generally a hot cereal concoction of oats, chia seeds, ground flax, shelled hemp hearts, pumpkin seeds, almonds, walnuts and wild blueberries. Sometimes an egg. Maybe French toast or bhurji on a Sunday), and sift through my emails. After that, everyday tends to be a little different. I do try to get to the gym and/or go for a run at least 5 days a week.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Gurvinder Bhatia:
I am the editor-in-chief and publisher for Quench Magazine – North America’s longest-running wine and food publication. I’ve written for Quench for over two and a half decades and have been on the editorial team since 2004, but I purchased the magazine in 2021, and am committed to the magazine’s evolution to be a much truer representation of the world in which we live. I am an international wine judge and president of Vinomania Consulting. I was the owner/founder of Vinomania wine boutique (opened in 1995, closed in 2016), which was named on numerous occasions among the best wine stores in Canada. In addition, I was the wine columnist for CBC Radio for 11 years and wine columnist for Global Television for 14 years and I am certified by Vinitaly International Academy as one of only 22 VIA certified Italian Wine Experts in the world. I am also certified by ICEX as a Spanish Wine Specialist. I am a firm believer that wine and food get their context from people, place, culture and history and endeavor to help transform the culinary landscape and the manner in which people relate to wine around the world. I lead tastings, seminars, classes and events for industry and consumers globally and have created numerous unique opportunities for people to learn about and appreciate quality wine: as, for example, the wine and music pairing curator for the highly successful Interstellar Rodeo festival; wine consultant for numerous large festivals; wine and culinary consultant and mentor to numerous restaurateurs; in 2015 & 2017 to create the immensely successful Northern Lands – the largest all-Canadian wine and culinary festival ever to be held; to bringing Vinitaly’s touring show to Edmonton (the smallest market in which it has ever been held – but incredibly successful); and in 2024 the Mad Cool Vino Español – Spain Uncorked festival which served to raise the profile of the diversity of Spanish wine, food and culture. I am a recovering lawyer and in addition to my law degree (JD), I also earned my master’s degree in business administration (MBA) with honors. In 2015, I was named by Alberta Venture Magazine as one of Alberta’s 50 Most Influential People. I am always looking to create new projects to elevate the food and wine culture of a community and help our community leaders understand the importance of a vibrant culinary culture to the economy and identity of a community.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My parents. They taught me the value of hard work and instilled me with my work ethic, but they also taught me the value of community and giving back. I firmly believe that you cannot be successful in business unless you are also contributing to the community and making a difference.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Follow your own path regardless of what anyone else says or thinks. If you act with intent and purpose and for the right reasons, it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Loyalty, doing the right thing, making a difference, acting with intent and purpose, living in the moment, having fun and living life to the fullest.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely and always!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://quench.me/
- Instagram: gurvindervino_onthego
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