Jake Skakun is a restaurateur and wine director based in Toronto, Canada.

After an early career in multimedia and design, he entered the world of hospitality. While working in Vancouver’s restaurant scene in the mid-2000s, he discovered a love for wine, sparking a two-decade educational journey. In 2012, he moved to Toronto, eventually partnering with friends to open a number of lauded restaurants: Grey Gardens, Le Swan, Bar Vendetta, and General Public. Since 2020, he has run the quarterly Grey Gardens Wine Club and managed high-profile accounts for the premium importing agency CGU Fine Wines.

Outside of his professional life, Jake is an avid reader who enjoys hiking and travelling with his wife and daughter.

Primary area(s) of work: Trade

Industry sector(s): Agency/Importer, Business owner, Buying, On trade, Sales

Wine region expertise: Beaujolais, Burgundy, Canada, France, Germany, Okanagan Valley, Ontario

Market expertise: Canada, North America

Specialisms: Branding, Events, Food and wine pairing, Importation, Events, Restaurant wines, Training, Wine judging