Canada

Nupur Gogia

Nupur is a Canadian Winemaker, Wine Agent and Wine Educator based in Toronto, Ontario. Nupur initially started on an academic path (which left her “somewhat scathed”, in her own words), gaining a Doctorate in Sociology. She went on to found an organic grocery with an academic colleague, before she “stumbled into a pile of grapes and found her calling with wine”. In 2013, Nupur enrolled on a WSET Level 1 course, after which she progressed through Levels 2 and 3 at a blistering pace, starting her Diploma studies in the Autumn of 2013 and graduating in the Class of 2016. Simultaneously to her studies, Nupur sold her business and began working for a small import agency - her entry into the trade. Enjoying a challenge and passionate about growing her skillset, Nupur then set her eyes on the MW, entering the Program in 2017 and continuing to push herself and study hard towards attaining it to this day. Since first entering the wine sector, Nupur has been aware of the lack of representation of BAME/BIPOC individuals. Indeed, during her WSET studies she “spent most of [her] WSET education as one of the only BIPOC students in class”, which left her often “intimidated to say anything or ask questions”. As a result of these experiences, driven by her long-standing commitment to social justice causes, Nupur has become a champion for BAME/BIPOC representation in the industry. She is one of the co-founders of Vinequity (alongside 2022 Taylor’s Port Golden Vines Diversity Scholar Carrie Rau), a Canadian non-profit providing mentorship, scholarships and advocacy for BAME/BIPOC individuals working in wine, and which since its founding has awarded over CA$50,000 in scholarships and bursaries. Nupur wishes to use her position in Vinequity and her MW research project to advocate for the rights of BAME/BIPOC workers in Canada’s vineyards.