Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Tim’s hospitality industry career has spanned nearly 50 years. He has worked in a variety of positions ranging from Executive Chef to General Manager. 

A lifelong commitment to continuing education includes earning his Bachelor of Hospitality Management from Vancouver Community College in 2020. Other certification includes a Diploma of Hospitality Administration from the British Columbia Institute of Technology, Chef de Cuisine certification by the Canadian Culinary Institute, and a Red Seal in Cooking. Tim has been certified as a Sommelier by achieving a Diploma from the International Sommelier Guild. He has also successfully completed the rigorous Diploma of Wine and Spirits from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and was awarded Level Three Assessor status.

This status allowed Tim to become an Approved Program Provider (APP) and deliver their globally recognized course material. In 2014, he being the sole WSET instructor for the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, their innovative program was shortlisted as one of the top ten best out of over 2000 APP’s worldwide.

Volunteer service includes serving as a member of the Board of Directors Vancouver International Wine Festival. He is also both Gala Co-Chair and Auction Committee Chair of the Vancouver International Wine Festival’s Bard on the Beach Bacchanalia Gala. Tim was the founder and served as President of the BC Wine Appreciation Society from 2003 to 2009. He has also served as a Board member of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers and is a past member of the Society of Wine Educators (Washington, DC)

Previously, he held the Vice Chair seat on the Sector Advisory Group for Hospitality for the Industry Training Authority of BC and acted as a Chef/Assessor qualified to award Red Seal certification in Cooking. Tim also had the privilege of serving as the Provincial Technical Committee Chair for Skills BC culminating in his appointment as National Technical Committee Chair for Skills Canada for the Restaurant Service Competition.

‘The ability to deliver the world renowned WSET programs has been a highlight of my professional career. The course simply improves one’s understanding and enjoyment of wine. It frees students to develop their palates and discover wines they truly enjoy. This appreciation adds to their quality of life and is something they can share with friends and family.’ ~ Tim Ellison