About Banville & Jones

Banville & Jones Wine Co. was founded in 1999 by two sisters, Lia Banville and Tina Jones. Considering their Italian heritage, Lia and Tina were always interested in wine. Their dream of opening a private wine store in Manitoba became a reality when the Manitoba government continued the semi-privatization of the wine industry in 1998. Lia and Tina had a passion for wine and wanted to extend that passion to the consumers of Winnipeg.

This Tuscan-inspired boutique has all of the best elements of a world class wine store. There are more than 3000 sku's of wine, gifts and gourmet items from every corner of the world. The retail floor boasts the most advanced wine retail shelving system with proper UV filtered lighting in every corner of the building. Our Specialties Cave is completely temperature and humidity controlled, perfectly designed for our rarest specialty wines.

In addition, our second floor Tuscan Room and Terrace is complete with a Kitchenaid Display Kitchen and outdoor fireplace. Our lower level Cellar houses more than 80,000 bottles in a temperature and lighting controlled environment.

Without a single compromise, it is here that Tina Jones and her team of knowledgeable and friendly staff continue to provide the highest quality service and selection to their retail customers and to the best restaurants in Winnipeg. Banville & Jones has become the largest and best Wine Retailer in Winnipeg through its dedication to education and enjoyment of wine in an elegant and approachable atmosphere.

For information on the Certified Sommelier Program currently offered through Banville & Jones please click below:

International Sommelier Guild

The Banville & Jones Commitment

To bring the highest quality, best priced, recognized and yet to be discovered wines from around the world home to our customers. These wines will be hand chosen and tasted by our team of professionals, and guaranteed to exceed your expectations. Banville and Jones Wine Co. will carry the brands you know and love, and many that are sure to surprise you.

Banville & Jones Staff

Our staff are wine lovers. They are passionate about wine and food. And most importantly, they are good listeners: they know that in the world of wine lovers there are many different tastes, preferences, and budgets.

Tina Jones is the business owner and Wine Institute Principal. Ms Jones has made Banville & Jones the largest private wine seller in the province. The store has been named among the top 50 wine retailers in Canada by Wine Access magazine. Ms Jones firmly believes in the investment of people: she has encouraged, and made it possible for, staff to pursue further studies in wine. She has also expanded wine education in the province through numerous initiatives and events. Tina has also sourced the best wine producers, studied wine production and the industry, and visited many wine regions of the world. <

Leading the knowledgeable wine staff is Gary Hewitt, senior instructor and buyer. A long time wine aficionado, Certified Wine Educator (one of only five in Canada), and a Certified Sommelier Instructor for the International Sommelier Guild (ISG); Gary also holds the Advanced Certificate (with Distinction) through the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (UK).

Mike Muirhead is our General Manager and buyer. With an understanding of restaurants and hospitality, Mike’s qualifications include Sommelier (ISG), CMS, the Advanced Certificate (with Distinction) through the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (UK), and the CSW from the Society of Wine Educators. Mike knows wine, he knows the industry, and he enjoys what he does.

Saralyn Mehta, Sommelier (ISG) and CSW, & Jill Kwiatkoski, studying in the preparatory courses through the ISG, are our Assistant Managers. Both have brought to our team experience and understanding in hospitality and catering. Saralyn focuses on Customer Service and Delivery/Warehouse logistics; Jill's focus is assisting Mike & Gary with the buying and coordinating our private events.

Sylvia Jansen, Sommelier (ISG), CMS, WSET Advanced, and CSW, and Darren Raeside, Sommelier (ISG) and CSW, both admit that their favourite pastimes are talking about wine. With Gary and Mike, Sylvia leads our wine education team, developing wine courses and classes. She is a qualified Instructor for the International Sommelier Guild, and she has also received the ‘Train the Trainer’ Certificate from the Society of Wine Educators. Darren leads numerous wine events, luxury tastings, as well as wine appreciation classes. Both have a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for wine.

Our team also includes Betty Setka - Merchandising Manager, Karen Nissen - Events Coordinator, and Todd Antonation - Licensee Manager. Our warehouse and delivery crew logistics are headed by Saralyn Mehta; our drivers are Vic Leggero and Tom Court. The person who keeps the numbers together, our Controller, is Pauline Lomax.