Our Team
Françoise Abro, Director Abcon Wines
Françoise Abro founded Abcon Wine Merchants in 1993, as a way to introduce Ontario consumers to high quality, boutique South African wines. Her incredible enthusiasm and knowledge of wine, has enabled her to establish one of the most respected portfolios of internationally acclaimed wine brands in Ontario.
“My relationship with wine started many years ago sharing, tasting and learning with my father. I discovered years later, that I had inherited both my father’s natural palate and love for wine.
My family name “DELAMOTTE” also happens to be that of a very famous French Champagne house… maybe somewhere there is a very old link in the family tree and I was destined to be in this industry! “
Favourite quote: “I cook with wine – sometimes I even add it to the food.”
Mark McFadyen, Director Abcon Wines
Mark’s extensive background in the hospitality industry was the impetus to enter the wine importing business. As a partner at Abcon, Mark’s passion for wine is contagious and his knowledge and ability to seek out and secure well-priced wines that over-deliver on both flavour and value is why Abcon has been able to establish itself as one of Ontario’s premier Wine Agencies.
Favourite quote: “If a life of wine, women and song becomes too much, give up the singing”
Rob Beardall, Sommelier/Sales, Ottawa
Rob pursued this love through graduating from the Sommelier program, whilst working in the hospitality industry serving and managing at restaurants that placed strong focus on their wine lists. Therefore in 1999 it was a natural transition for him to start selling wines and consulting on wine lists. Rob has also been fortunate enough to travel extensively, and always manages to work a wine tour into any trip involving a grape-growing country!
Melodie Grant-O’Rourke, Sales
With over 20 years of experience in the Ontario Wine Industry Melodie has worked in a variety of roles including Director of Sales with award winning wineries launching major celebrity brands, Wayne Gretzky and Mike Weir Wines. WSET Level 3 Certified, Melodie has experience working with licensees to develop extensive wine programs, building relationships with clients, and promoting wine knowledge with staff.
John Swatridge, Sales (Kitchener/Waterloo)
During careers in the publishing industry, the financial services industry and teaching, there has always been one constant: a love of wine, known by many as the nectar of the gods. My favourite wines are those that have been sipped in such places as Croatia, Montenegro, Myanmar, France and Chile, but the ambiance was definitely a factor and probably biased my opinions.
Stephen Thomas, Sommelier/Sales
Wine lover, turned wine enthusiast, that developed a passion for the liquid gem. A professional sommelier, WSET Certified and always seeking wine knowledge and the understanding of terroir together with Stephen’s enthusiasm, has resulted in solid customer relationships and accomplishments.
James Muir, Sommelier/Sales
James comes to us from the restaurant side of the business where he spent many years working with excellent wine lists and wine from all regions. A Sommelier, James has won awards for wine lists that he has managed, so he has good perspective to help you with finding great choices from our catalogue – whether for your restaurant list or private collection.
He can be contacted at james@abconwine.ca, or via cell at 647-309-0490