Bio

After living in Vancouver for more than 25 years and building a career in the travel industry — working with airlines, serving as a sales manager for tour operators, and teaching at the Canadian Tourism College, Alison took a major leap of faith in 2007 when she moved to Edmonton with her partner Grant to open a wine and spirits store at West Edmonton Mall. Together, they have spent the past 19 years building it together, while Alison also earned her Level II Sommelier certification and became a French Wine Scholar.

PASSIONATE ABOUT LIFE LONG LEARNING

Alison believes both the wine and spirits and travel industries  offers endless opportunities for growth and discovery. Through Aligra, she has helped create a  vibrant community experience by hosting tastings, winemaker dinners, charity events, and educational classes both in-store and throughout Edmonton. Alison has combined her love of sharing knowledge, writing, and travel from her previous travel career, continually finding new ways to elevate the customer experience in a competitive industry.

EXPERIENCED AND PASSIONATE

Her travels have taken her throughout Asia, Africa, the South Pacific, North America, and Europe, both as a solo traveler and tour escort. Alison especially enjoys the dynamics of group travel, sharing stories and insights while ensuring every trip is well organized and filled with memorable experiences. Although exploring destinations on foot at a grassroots level remains her favourite way to travel, she has also developed a deep appreciation for exceptional accommodations, fine dining, small ship cruises and unique cultural experiences.

Now that the store is well established, Alison is dedicating more time to her lifelong passion for travel. She has led several international wine tour groups to destinations including Bordeaux and the Loire Valley in France, the Okanagan, South Africa, Portugal, and Hungary. More recently, she has spent time in the winter in Mexico and  recently travelled to Costa Rica. Her next adventure, Winos & Rhinos II to South Africa, is scheduled for September 2026. (Sold Out!)

When I'm not on the road, I enjoy gardening, reading, long walks with my Westie Georgie Girl and spending time with close friends.