Meet Our Team

Our team members hail from different backgrounds - from hospitality to finance - but we all share a love for bringing great wine and spirits to your glass. 

OUR TEAM

Dan Rabinovitch

President

Dan Rabinovitch

President

Dan first went to overnight camp at the age of five. Since then, his love for adventure and experiencing life to its fullest potential has only grown. By the time he graduated from Business School in 2000, he had visited over 25 countries and lived in almost a dozen cities (starting in Montreal with stops in New York, Paris, Los Angeles and more before settling in Toronto).

In the world of wine and spirits, Dan found a career where culinary arts, culture and history are fused into a singular expression. While he certainly loves to drink a fine glass of wine, what drives Dan is the knowledge that every product sold at Azureau is so much more. It is consummate expertise. It is passion. It is the gift of generations to us.

Bobby Briones

Executive Director, Operations

Bobby Briones

Executive Director, Operations

After working in Finance for nearly 20 years, Bobby made the switch to follow his passion for the culinary arts and wines & spirits - and to his surprise, he also discovered a love for selling. From a macroeconomist, to a professional cook, to culinary director and associate manager, Bobby combines these experiences in his role as Executive Director, Operations.

Bobby leads a team of Sales Representatives across Ontario and is integrated into the day-to-day operations of the company.

Outside of work, you can find Bobby volunteering for the Anglican Diocese of Toronto, or enjoying his all-time favourite drink, the Manhattan - made with Cocchi di Torino, of course. When heading to someone's place for dinner, Bobby believes the perfect hosting gift is Paco & Lola Albarino. The wine goes well with a lot of different cuisines and the label is playful and fun -- and who doesn't like polka-dots?

Despina Triantos

Senior Brand Manager

Despina Triantos

Senior Brand Manager

Despina Triantos is a sales and marketing professional with over 25 years of experience in the wine and spirits industry. With a palate refined by years of 'research' and a passion that borders on obsession, she excels at helping brands navigate the complexities of the LCBO system and driving sales growth.

Outside of work, you can find Despina exploring the the city's food scene, sipping on the latest cocktail trend, or simply enjoying a quiet night in with a well-poured glass. As a big fan of negronis, she has found her work home with Azureau's portfolio and can be seen happily stocking her home bar with Cocchi Vermouth and one of our beautiful gins on a regular basis.

Nathan Gittins

Office Administrator

Nathan Gittins

Office Administrator

Originally hailing from the UK, Nathan's journey in hospitality has taken him across the globe. From cafes to luxury boutique hotels, bars, and Michelin-starred restaurants, he's amassed a wealth of experience. Upon his move to Canada, Nathan transitioned from hospitality to a role in a brewing supply company, gaining valuable insights into accounts and shipping.

Seeking further growth and a connection to the world of wine, Nathan found his place at Azureau. As our Office Administrator, he efficiently manages on-premise shipping and accounts, along with international accounts payable.

Outside of work, you'll spot Nathan in lycra, cycling around. He treasures time with his growing family and, as an ex-bartender, savours the selection of vermouths for his martinis and negronis after a hard day's work.

Marzanna Freeman

Regional Sales Manager

Greater Toronto Area

Marzanna Freeman

Regional Sales Manager

Greater Toronto Area

Marzanna’s journey in the world of wine began when she moved from her home in Poznan, Poland to Lido Di Ostia, Italy and realized her love for food, wine and discovering the world. This wanderlust led Marzanna to all corners of the world, from China to Morocco to Peru to Israel and Jordan, (with Scotland and Ireland next on her list) as well as a career in luxury hotel management. 

From there, it was a natural progression to the adult beverage industry where she now utilizes her range of in-depth knowledge to help inspire and educate customers to better understand a product's heritage, uniqueness and the possibilities of food pairings. Marzanna is charismatic as she is experienced and excited to share her passions with those she meets. A few of her Portfolio favourites include:  Mermaid Gin and Casas del Bosques Sauvignon Blanc.

Cindy Sands

Sales Representative

Barrie/Collingwood, On-Premise & Retail

Cindy Sands

Sales Representative

Barrie/Collingwood, On-Premise & Retail

Born and raised in Toronto, Cindy was a University of Western Ontario student when the travel bug bit her. From a student posting in Finland to backpacking around Scandinavia, to exploring in India, Nepal and Pakistan with COMEX (Commonwealth Expeditions), Cindy brings a world of experience and knowledge wherever she goes. Her interest in food, wine and people led her to become a Certified Wedding Planner and Events Coordinator. From there, the transition to working directly with wine and menus was natural, and she has been pasionatley representing both domestic and import wine agencies since. 

Now residing in the Blue Mountains Area, Cindy’s motto during the last couple of years has been to “Stay In and Drink Champagne”. While she is happy to get back to ‘regular life’, her love for sparkling wine still stands strong. She is currently loving Rioja Vega Reserva, Salentein Malbec and the Guerra Vermouths. That said, she doesn’t believe in picking favourites, so depending on your mood, the day, or what you’re eating, she’s happy to chat about which wine would be best for your needs.

Vanessa Stankiewicz

Sales Representative

WEST GTA, ON-PREMISE

Vanessa Stankiewicz

Sales Representative

WEST GTA, ON-PREMISE

Mississauga-born but baptized in North African Spain, Vanessa's upbringing spanned both Spain and Southern Ontario, shaping her diverse cultural perspective. After a 20-year career in fashion across North America and Europe, she returned to her Southern Ontario roots. Together with her chef husband from Madrid, she opened a small Spanish restaurant in Kitchener, blending their shared passion for authentic cuisine and hospitality.

Vanessa’s strong business acumen, deep knowledge, and love for fine food and wine make her a valued member of our team.

On weekends, you’ll find her embracing the Spanish tradition of aperitivo at her restaurant, sipping Guerra Vermouth Rojo, followed by a seafood paella lunch paired with a glass of Can Xa Rosé Cava.

Tanya Missios

Sommelier & Sales Representative

South Western Ontario,
On-Premise & Retail

Tanya Missios

Sommelier & Sales Representative

South Western Ontario,
On-Premise & Retail

After graduating from the University of Toronto, Tanya built a successful career in professional sales, spending over 20 years in the wine and spirits industry. In 2011, she earned her Certified Sommelier designation in the United States with the support of Kruger Wines and Spirits. She joined Azureau in late 2021 as a Sales Representative for the Hamilton, Niagara, and London regions and has since expanded her role to include On-Premise Sales.

A passionate fan of Argentine wines, Tanya highly recommends Salentein wines as a perfect complement to any meal. And when it comes to the perfect host or hostess gift, she stands by Bar Dog Cabernet Sauvignon—a Californian gem that never disappoints.

Natasha Nagy

Sales Representative

Kitchener/Waterloo/Guelph/ Cambridge, Retail

Natasha Nagy

Sales Representative

Kitchener/Waterloo/Guelph/ Cambridge, Retail

Julius Agawin

Delivery Services

Julius Agawin

Delivery Services

Known for his friendly and approachable demeanour, Julius is responsible for overseeing the final stretch of the customer experience and handles deliveries with care and efficiency. Julius believes building relationships with customers is a key part of his role, and as such takes the time to learn customer names, and preferences, and notes special requests, all to ensure each delivery is a personalized and positive experience.

When he’s not behind the wheel of his delivery truck, you’ll find Julius at the helm of a pontoon, casting a line as the sun sets or carving through the water on a jet ski with family and friends. A true aficionado of bold flavours, he reaches for a glass of Callia Malbec when unwinding and enjoys the smooth, vibrant character of Cada Día Tequila when raising a toast.

Dan Rabinovitch

President

Dan Rabinovitch

President

Dan first went to overnight camp at the age of five. Since then, his love for adventure and experiencing life to its fullest potential has only grown. By the time he graduated from Business School in 2000, he had visited over 25 countries and lived in almost a dozen cities (starting in Montreal with stops in New York, Paris, Los Angeles and more before settling in Toronto).

In the world of wine and spirits, Dan found a career where culinary arts, culture and history are fused into a singular expression. While he certainly loves to drink a fine glass of wine, what drives Dan is the knowledge that every product sold at Azureau is so much more. It is consummate expertise. It is passion. It is the gift of generations to us.

Bobby Briones

Executive Director, Operations

Bobby Briones

Executive Director, Operations

After working in Finance for nearly 20 years, Bobby made the switch to follow his passion for the culinary arts and wines & spirits - and to his surprise, he also discovered a love for selling. From a macroeconomist, to a professional cook, to culinary director and associate manager, Bobby combines these experiences in his role as Executive Director, Operations.

Bobby leads a team of Sales Representatives across Ontario and is integrated into the day-to-day operations of the company.

Outside of work, you can find Bobby volunteering for the Anglican Diocese of Toronto, or enjoying his all-time favourite drink, the Manhattan - made with Cocchi di Torino, of course. When heading to someone's place for dinner, Bobby believes the perfect hosting gift is Paco & Lola Albarino. The wine goes well with a lot of different cuisines and the label is playful and fun -- and who doesn't like polka-dots?

Despina Triantos

Senior Brand Manager

Despina Triantos

Senior Brand Manager

Despina Triantos is a sales and marketing professional with over 25 years of experience in the wine and spirits industry. With a palate refined by years of 'research' and a passion that borders on obsession, she excels at helping brands navigate the complexities of the LCBO system and driving sales growth.

Outside of work, you can find Despina exploring the the city's food scene, sipping on the latest cocktail trend, or simply enjoying a quiet night in with a well-poured glass. As a big fan of negronis, she has found her work home with Azureau's portfolio and can be seen happily stocking her home bar with Cocchi Vermouth and one of our beautiful gins on a regular basis.

Kailee Smith

Marketing Manager

Kailee Smith

Marketing Manager

Kailee helps clients discover and connect with the company's global portfolio of wines and spirits. Kailee is a seasoned business development professional and previously worked in financial sales on Bay Street where she learned the value of a balanced portfolio. Today, she still promotes the idea of a balanced portfolio, but through spotlighting a mix of new and old world wines, and bringing attention to both established and up-and-coming regions, new and iconic brands. 

Kailee’s love for wine and sharing brand stories is deeply rooted in her time spent working and studying in the Okanagan Valley through the sommelier program at Mission Hill Winery. Today, Kailee is completing her WSET Level 3 studies and in her free time enjoys hunting down vintage barware, dog-sitting and hosting tastings among friends and family. Her after-work go-to is Neleman’s Amistad-Verdil or recommends Cocchi Extra-Dry as the apéritif to kick off your next dinner party.

Nathan Gittins

Office Administrator

Nathan Gittins

Office Administrator

Originally hailing from the UK, Nathan's journey in hospitality has taken him across the globe. From cafes to luxury boutique hotels, bars, and Michelin-starred restaurants, he's amassed a wealth of experience. Upon his move to Canada, Nathan transitioned from hospitality to a role in a brewing supply company, gaining valuable insights into accounts and shipping.

Seeking further growth and a connection to the world of wine, Nathan found his place at Azureau. As our Office Administrator, he efficiently manages on-premise shipping and accounts, along with international accounts payable.

Outside of work, you'll spot Nathan in lycra, cycling around. He treasures time with his growing family and, as an ex-bartender, savours the selection of vermouths for his martinis and negronis after a hard day's work.

Julius Agawin

Delivery Services

Julius Agawin

Delivery Services

Known for his friendly and approachable demeanour, Julius is responsible for overseeing the final stretch of the customer experience and handles deliveries with care and efficiency. Julius believes building relationships with customers is a key part of his role, and as such takes the time to learn customer names, and preferences, and notes special requests, all to ensure each delivery is a personalized and positive experience.

When he’s not behind the wheel of his delivery truck, you’ll find Julius at the helm of a pontoon, casting a line as the sun sets or carving through the water on a jet ski with family and friends. A true aficionado of bold flavours, he reaches for a glass of Callia Malbec when unwinding and enjoys the smooth, vibrant character of Cada Día Tequila when raising a toast.

Marzana Freeman

Regional Sales Manager

Greater Toronto Area

Marzana Freeman

Regional Sales Manager

Greater Toronto Area

Marzanna’s journey in the world of wine began when she moved from her home in Poznan, Poland to Lido Di Ostia, Italy and realized her love for food, wine and discovering the world. This wanderlust led Marzanna to all corners of the world, from China to Morocco to Peru to Israel and Jordan, (with Scotland and Ireland next on her list) as well as a career in luxury hotel management. 

From there, it was a natural progression to the adult beverage industry where she now utilizes her range of in-depth knowledge to help inspire and educate customers to better understand a product's heritage, uniqueness and the possibilities of food pairings. Marzanna is charismatic as she is experienced and excited to share her passions with those she meets. A few of her Portfolio favourites include:  Mermaid Gin and Casas del Bosques Sauvignon Blanc.

Cindy Sands

Sales Representative

Barrie/Collingwood, On-Premise & Retail

Cindy Sands

Sales Representative

Barrie/Collingwood, On-Premise & Retail

Born and raised in Toronto, Cindy was a University of Western Ontario student when the travel bug bit her. From a student posting in Finland to backpacking around Scandinavia, to exploring in India, Nepal and Pakistan with COMEX (Commonwealth Expeditions), Cindy brings a world of experience and knowledge wherever she goes. Her interest in food, wine and people led her to become a Certified Wedding Planner and Events Coordinator. From there, the transition to working directly with wine and menus was natural, and she has been pasionatley representing both domestic and import wine agencies since. 

Now residing in the Blue Mountains Area, Cindy’s motto during the last couple of years has been to “Stay In and Drink Champagne”. While she is happy to get back to ‘regular life’, her love for sparkling wine still stands strong. She is currently loving Rioja Vega Reserva, Salentein Malbec and the Guerra Vermouths. That said, she doesn’t believe in picking favourites, so depending on your mood, the day, or what you’re eating, she’s happy to chat about which wine would be best for your needs.

Vanessa Stankiewicz

Sales Representative

WEST GTA, ON-PREMISE

Vanessa Stankiewicz

Sales Representative

WEST GTA, ON-PREMISE

Mississauga-born but baptized in North African Spain, Vanessa's upbringing spanned both Spain and Southern Ontario, shaping her diverse cultural perspective. After a 20-year career in fashion across North America and Europe, she returned to her Southern Ontario roots. Together with her chef husband from Madrid, she opened a small Spanish restaurant in Kitchener, blending their shared passion for authentic cuisine and hospitality.

Vanessa’s strong business acumen, deep knowledge, and love for fine food and wine make her a valued member of our team.

On weekends, you’ll find her embracing the Spanish tradition of aperitivo at her restaurant, sipping Guerra Vermouth Rojo, followed by a seafood paella lunch paired with a glass of Can Xa Rosé Cava.

Tanya Missios

Sommelier & Sales Representative

South Western Ontario,
On-Premise & Retail

Tanya Missios

Sommelier & Sales Representative

South Western Ontario,
On-Premise & Retail

After graduating from the University of Toronto, Tanya built a successful career in professional sales, spending over 20 years in the wine and spirits industry. In 2011, she earned her Certified Sommelier designation in the United States with the support of Kruger Wines and Spirits. She joined Azureau in late 2021 as a Sales Representative for the Hamilton, Niagara, and London regions and has since expanded her role to include On-Premise Sales.

A passionate fan of Argentine wines, Tanya highly recommends Salentein wines as a perfect complement to any meal. And when it comes to the perfect host or hostess gift, she stands by Bar Dog Cabernet Sauvignon—a Californian gem that never disappoints.

Natasha Nagy

Sales Representative

Kitchener/Waterloo/Guelph/Cambridge

Natasha Nagy

Sales Representative

Kitchener/Waterloo/Guelph/Cambridge