Recent editorial shifts reflect VineRoutes’ evolving coverage priorities and support next phase of growth
As VineRoutes continues to evolve its editorial focus, deepening its coverage of wine culture, collecting, and place, we’re pleased to announce several key editorial appointments and role expansions that reflect where the publication is headed next.
Matt Steeves (officially) joins VineRoutes as a Senior Contributor, where he will lead Buyer’s Guides and Collecting features, bringing a highly seasoned perspective shaped by two decades of tasting, travel, and professional engagement across the global wine and spirits landscape.
A Canadian wine writer, on-air sommelier (TV, radio, and Sirius satellite), Valpolicella Wine Specialist, and former Director of the National Capital Sommelier Guild, Steeves earned his Sommelier certification in 2013 following three years of formal study in wine, beer, spirits, vinification, and viticulture. He is an accredited member of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers and the editor and co-founder of Quercus Vino, a Canadian-based wine and spirits review platform.
Based in Ottawa, Steeves brings both national perspective and international depth to VineRoutes’ growing focus on collecting, cellaring, and informed buying.
Carl Giavanti also joins us in a Senior Contributor capacity where he will focus on destination-driven storytelling, winemaker profiles, and educational features that bridge travel, context, and character.
A former winery publicist with more than 15 years of experience in wine PR, consulting, and industry writing, Giavanti has built his career around people, access, and narrative. His work reflects a long-standing belief that wine’s most compelling stories live with the individuals who make it.
Giavanti has written for Wine Business Monthly, Wine Industry Network, Vineyard & Winery Management Magazine, The Grapevine Magazine, and Oregon Wine Press, and for more than five years has hosted a Wine Writer Interview Series with Wine Industry Advisor.
We also welcome Nicola Brown as a Contributor. A freelance writer and editor with 15 years of experience, Brown brings a strong background in travel, food, and lifestyle journalism.
Her work has appeared in The Toronto Star, Time Out, Toronto Life, EnRoute, WestJet Magazine, Travel Life, Canadian Traveller, and several others. Brown’s reporting adds a refined, reader-friendly perspective well suited to VineRoutes’ coverage of dining, travel, and wine culture.
Editorial leadership, expanded
Alana Lapierre
In recognition of her expanded responsibilities and growing international portfolio, Alana Lapierre’s title has been updated to Editor, Eastern Canada & International from her previous title of Regional Editor.
Lapierre will continue her in-depth coverage of Eastern Canada—including Montreal, Nova Scotia, and Quebec wines—while further developing VineRoutes’ international reporting. Her recent work has included features from key regions in France, Italy, and Spain, reflecting VineRoutes’ increasing emphasis on global wine narratives grounded in place and experience.
For more information about VineRoutes and our team, visit vineroutes.com/about-vineroutes.
[Top Photo from left to right: Nicola Brown, Carl Giavanti, Matt Steeves]
