Meet your wine angels
Lesle Gibson
As one of the city’s renowned hosts, Lesle’s attention to detail and dedication to her clients has made her something of a legend in the hospitality and wine industry. With a career spanning over 25 years, she has successfully opened trendy hotspots in both Toronto and LA including Xacutti, Bird, Grace and Parc.
A longtime Sommelier, Lesle has embarked on the highlight of her career with Gibson Family Group creating a home for her wine angels. With every producer embraced and every wine hand selected, it is her goal to share her passion with those she meets, expanding her wine family along the way. GFG combines Lesle’s many years of experience with her personal touch, love for service and interest in exceptional wine.
Stephanie Christian
Stephanie is a certified sommelier and GFG’s Creative Director & Event Strategist. She combines her deep knowledge of wine with a passion for storytelling, creating engaging experiences that connect with her audience.
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She works closely with restaurants to refine their wine lists and helps private clients build well-curated cellars. Stephanie also handles the planning and execution of events, ensuring everything runs smoothly and provides a positive experience for guests.
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In addition to her operational role, Stephanie is involved in GFG’s marketing strategy, developing content that brings wine-related topics to life in an approachable and engaging way. Whether through social media or other marketing initiatives, she works to connect with wine enthusiasts and bring attention to the diverse world of wine.
Carissa Gibson
As the new kid on the block, Carissa’s wine schooling has just begun. This mother of 3 and partner of GFG completed her WSET 2 and is eager to continue the journey.
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Having been surrounded by a wine passionate family and influenced by great pairings throughout the years, her growing appreciation has tuned her palate.
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Her approach is honest and pure. With the love of family and enthusiasm for the grape, Carissa is a natural wine angel.
Lindsay Franklin
After being a loyal ambassador of our producers and wines since our inception, Lindsay officially joins the GFG team, proudly representing our wine family first hand. Having over 20 years of experience in the service industry; in corporate restaurants, event spaces and most recently over a decade at the helm of one of the country’s most prestigious private clubs, Lindsay is a true hospitality professional.
She understands the importance of tailoring wine recommendations and providing lasting, memorable experiences. With a passion for educating and sharing her wine knowledge, Lindsay provides custom, curated wine events of all levels. From fun & educational to high-end, impressive - white glove service.
You can find Lindsay in Muskoka on the regular with her infectious energy hosting dock parties, wine events, and managing private cellars. While she frequents the city to stay involved with the ever-growing food & wine scene, she is our northern girl at heart — bringing warmth, expertise, and a whole lot of sparkle to every glass she pours.
Dustin Peters
Dustin is an award-winning composer, hospitality pro and an ardent traveler. He recently formalized his wine education with the WSET2, deepening his knowledge of wine. Dustin particularly enjoys learning about farming practices and environmental aspects of winemaking and viticulture. Alongside his roles as a devoted father and enthusiastic home chef, Dustin continues to explore the wonderful world of wine with unwavering passion.
Zoe Traiforos
Zoe has been immersed in the Toronto wine scene since the late 90’s. Graduating from the International Sommelier Guild in 2001, she curated some of TO’s coolest spots while slinging wine for a few top agencies at the time. Past representative for the Champagne houses Krug and Veuve Clicquot, Zoe also partnered with Lesle creating their famed Champagne Monday’s before switching focus to full time mom of her three gorgeous girls. Launching her olive oil Single Grove in 2015, Zoe participated in the International Culinary Centre’s inaugural olive oil sommelier course in 2016 (NYC).
Zoe continually shares her passion and knowledge for all grapes and is excited to join forces with Lesle once more.
Katie Gibson
Katie has worked for over 20 years helping children and families as a social worker.
She is passionate about travel and wine, and is an aficionado when it comes to rose and bubbles. Katie has completed her WSET 2 and looks forward to the next level.
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As a mother of two teens, Katie balances parenting with great wine and humour.
She loves networking and building relationships, and along with her enthusiasm for the grape, Katie is a natural Wine Angel and easily earned her wings.
Anna Jaeger
Anna Jaeger is a Toronto ex-pat who recently took up residence in our nation's capital. She has had over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, having worked in a diverse range of capacities from fine restaurants, hotels and bars in Toronto to the supper clubs of Montreal. She is a seasoned wine consultant, wine enthusiast, and has completed Level 1 Court of Masters.
She is also a mom of 2 young children, and a professional dancer/actor/model who moonlights as a burlesque showgirl. When she's not momming, mixing cocktails or dancing on bar tops and stages, Anna is a student of Holistic Nutrition at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. A self-professed yoga junkie, Anna is in pursuit of learning the key to living a healthy and balanced lifestyle that cultivates a positive relationship between good food, fine wine and good health.
Jessie O'Donnell
Jessie joins the Gibson Family Group sales team with a deep appreciation for the way wine brings people together.
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Her career began in restaurants, working in both the city and the village of Elora — a place known for its warmth, natural beauty, and strong sense of community. These experiences shaped her belief that great wine is not just poured, but shared — as part of a larger moment at the table.
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Having completed her WSET Level 3 certification, Jessie approaches wine with both technical understanding and lived experience from the floor. She is passionate about collaborating with restaurant teams to craft wine lists that reflect the personality of each space — lists that feel intentional, expressive, and true to the people who gather there.
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Outside of her work, Jessie continues to explore the city’s dining scene, tasting widely and seeking out restaurants that care deeply about the details. She is proud to represent producers whose wines speak of place and craftsmanship, and to support the hospitality teams who bring those stories to life.