We are super excited to welcome and introduce Ben Sigurdson as the new Wine Consultant at The Common, who'll be launching his first Common wine list this August.
Ben's professional journey in the wine industry began at Fenton’s, the wine store that pre-dated Ellement Wine and Spirits, at The Forks Market. It was there that he began honing his skills and developing a passion for wine education. His deep dive into the world of wine continued as he worked at other local wine stores in Winnipeg, sharing his knowledge and expertise with fellow wine lovers. This passion evolved into a literary love when he became the weekly wine and spirits writer for the Winnipeg Free Press, a role he still passionately holds, alongside being the newspaper's literary editor.
Through his experience in curating, educating, and sharing about wine, Ben has cultivated an extensive understanding of the industry in Manitoba. He has forged strong relationships with local private wine stores, offering unique and lesser-known styles, brands, and flavours in his curatorial practices and in his column.
If you're not an avid follower of Ben's weekly column, Uncorked, you may still recognize his wine work through his past contributions at The Forks. His connection to The Market runs deep, from his time at Fenton's to his curatorial contributions. Notably, Ben curated the wine list for Winnipeg’s Interstellar Rodeo, where he crafted a wine menu that perfectly complemented the festival’s musical offerings. Additionally, he was part of the selection committee that chose which restaurants would be added to The Forks Market during the 2016 refresh.
As a life-long Winnipegger, Ben has grown up with The Forks as his backyard. His relationship to this place has evolved from enjoying its many offerings as a youngster, and a guest, to celebrating its vibrant culture as an ambassador, curator, and now as The Common's Wine Expert.
In his role as The Common's Wine Consultant, Ben will:
- Curate: Explore wine stores across the city, engaging with their teams to discover unique bottles and styles to feature on the wine lists.
- Train: Share the stories and flavours behind each bottle with The Common team, allowing them to better support guests seeking a welcoming and relaxed wine experience.
- Celebrate: Through events and programs, Ben will highlight the current wine list, sharing the chosen collections in creative ways with our community.
Welcoming Ben to The Common team offers a new perspective to go with the same vibe that our guests have grown to love. At The Common, you can still expect to find a diverse and extensive wine selection that caters to all tastes. Each wine list will continue to include offerings from local wine stores, ensuring a range of choices from sweet to robust and everything in between. The lists change four times a year, and on each list you can always find:
- 2 rosé
- 2 sparkling (aka. patio pleasers)
- 8 whites
- 10 reds
- + a couple of non-alcoholic options
The Common's extensive wine list pairs perfectly with the diverse food options and dynamic opportunities available at The Forks. Whether you’re pairing wine with your fish and chips, looking for something to enjoy on the patio during a hot summer day, or seeking something that'll warm you up after a winter's skate, the knowledgeable team behind the bar is always happy to offer suggestions that will compliment your experience at The Forks.
And with that, we invite you to join us in savouring the wonderfully curated selections that Ben brings to The Common. Cheers to new beginnings and exceptionally curated wine lists!
