Alumna Rachel Kvas (BSc ’14) has joined an elite group of hospitality industry professionals. The Oenology and Viticulture (OEVI) grad was recently recognized as one of the Ontario Hostelry Institute’s (OHI) top 30 hospitality and foodservice professionals under the age of 30.  

Kvas, a research and development co-ordinator at Arterra Wines Canada, credits her time at Brock with her early success after graduation.

“Without my degree I wouldn’t be where I am now,” she said. “Specifically the exposure to winemaking, sensory studies and the co-op program through OEVI is really a big part of how I’ve been able to get to where I am today.”

Since its inception in 2006, the Top 30 under 30 program has recognized young talent based on their success in their current roles as well as what they bring to the industry through leadership opportunities, community involvement, industry development and mentoring. The 2018 cohort was celebrated March 28 at George Brown College’s Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts in Toronto.

Kvas was nominated by Barb Tatarnic, Manager of Outreach and Continuing Education at Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) and a fellow of the OHI.

While at Brock, Kvas excelled academically and was always eager to volunteer for CCOVI’s educational events.

“From her achievements as a student to the mark she’s already made on Ontario’s wine industry, Rachel is a deserving recipient of this award,” Tatarnic said. “I look forward to following her accomplishments over the next 30 years.”

At Arterra, Kvas is focused on new product development including running new ingredient trials and testing. Lately, she has focused on improving innovation through sensory science and is working on developing a sensory program including sensory analysis and training.

Kvas’ advice for students and grads starting out in the industry is simple: always be curious and work hard.

“Put the effort in, work hard and be open to new experiences,” she said.

Kvas will be returning to campus May 10 to share her experiences and passion for science as a mentor for Brock’s Scientifically Yours program.