Marie-France Champagne

First Name: Marie-France
Last Name: Champagne
Email: boudrem@algonquincollege.com
Phone: 613-727-4723
Extension: 5151
Title: Coordinator/Instructor
School/Department: Sommelier, Bartending
Campus: Ottawa

Marie-France has been teaching in the Algonquin College Sommelier Program since 2014 and became the Program Coordinator in 2018. More recently, she has also taken on the role of Program Coordinator for the Bartending Program.

Marie-France is herself a graduate of the AC Sommelier Program. A life-long learner, Marie-France furthered her studies with the Wine & Spirits Educational Trust Level 3 in Wines and Spirits, WSET Level 1 in Sake and French Wine Scholar program. She is currently completing the WSET Diploma (Level 4).

Marie-France teaches Grape Varieties, New World Wines, WSET Level 2 in Spirits as well as the Franch Wine Scholar Certification.

Marie-France was instrumental in the development and promotion of the Algonquin Restaurant International “Wine Dinner” series, now in its third year. This successful series attracts diners from all over the city who enjoy a multi-course meal with wine pairings, while providing valuable food and beverage training/exposure to student servers.

When discussing wine and beverage alcohol service in the greater Ottawa area, Marie-France will often share her vision to elevate the experience across restaurants and bars in the region. “I’d like to see an Algonquin graduate in every establishment in the city”, she says. “The skills and expertise that our graduates bring to the industry help to demystify what for some can be an intimidating exercise. Our goals are to educate, enjoy and make the entire experience more approachable.”

In addition to her roles at the college, Marie-France owns “Champagne & wines”, a company specializing in consulting, food and wine events, and in-home/corporate wine tastings. She is a frequent guest on CTV’s Morning Live and is Vice-President of the National Capital Sommelier Guild.