The Vine Agency’s Rob Groh in his East End offices.
When I first washed up on these shores back in 1997 and suddenly found myself working as Sommelier at Toronto’s staid and soporific Granite Club, I’ll admit that I was rather intimidated and confused by the process of purchasing beverage alcohol that is the norm here.
The first wine agents I had been introduced to had been of the boorish and bullish I-have-a-massive-big-gaudy-gold-Rolex-watch-and-Andy-Brandt-on-speedial variety, and, to be honest, sucked all of the romance and passion out of the wine world that I loved so much. It was all quite off-putting actually.
It was around this time I was introduced to Rob Groh, who was working with Miriam Rogers at her wine agency, Rogers and Co. It sounds so strange to say it now, but I remember being both inspired and comforted by Rob’s integrity. His gentle, informed, and measured manner, an undeniable passion for the wines he was selling, and a terrific sense of humour, made him both a worthy role model and co-conspirator… and that rings true until this very day.
With his agency The Vine about to celebrate fifteen years of business in 2015, I felt it was time to interview a gentleman who I have always looked to as the perfect example of a modern Wine Merchant.
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Edinburgh-born/Toronto-based Sommelier, consultant, writer, judge, and educator Jamie Drummond is the Director of Programs/Editor of Good Food Revolution… And he sounds as if he has a mouth full of marbles here.
When I started my own small restaurant in London, Ont, the first person I contacted was Rob. Having dealt with Rob while working in Toronto and Stratford, I found a person who was honest, informed and also a wonderful person to just sit and talk with over a glass of wine. I am no longer in the business but have fond memories of Rob and wish him continued success…He is one of the best.