About Us
Dave
Dave McChesney, owner and proprietor of Winexpert
Newmarket was interested in 'beverage alcohol' for many years before
opening his store. Where-ever he and his wife, Peg, went they
visited distilleries, wineries and breweries. He always ordered the
'sampler' at brew-pubs. Dave made both beer and wine at home and was
a popular contributor to his brother-in-law’s hockey team. Not
because he played hockey but because he supplied the beer! Dave
likes beer but just didn’t drink enough to keep up with his beer
making hobby so he donated it to the TEAM.
In 1996 when he was offered
the opportunity to leave his corporate job, Dave researched his
options carefully. What did he want to do next? Being self employed
was the goal and opening a store was a target but what type of
store? He was concerned with not being busy enough. He knew that he
couldn't just sit around waiting for customers to walk in.
In the meantime, Dave and a
buddy talked about making a batch of Ice Wine at one of those ‘On
Premise’ places. They looked around and decided that Wine Not was
the best for their purpose. The rest is history and Dave’s Wine Not
(now Winexpert) opened in Newmarket Oct 2, 1996. From the beginning
there has been a steady stream of winemakers, both On Premise and At
Home, interested in making wine with Dave. Between helping customers choose what
wines to make, working in his fermentation room and supporting as
many charity events as possible around town, Dave’s had no time to
be bored!
Dave and Peg still visit distilleries, wineries and breweries when
they travel and attend festivals around Ontario – Niagara, Buckhorn,
Picton and Bala. Dave keeps up to date on wine trends and the wine
making industry and in 2007 earned a Certificate of Merit from the
Wine Council of Ontario through a course he took at Brock
University. He also has his Smart Serve credentials. In 2010 Dave
was honoured to receive a Vocational Service Award
from The Rotary Club of Newmarket in recognition of high
ethical standards in business and outstanding service and
contributions to his community.
An active member of the
Ontario Wine Society
and the
Companions of the Quaich,
Dave attends as many of the events as he can. He’s also a member of
the
Fermenter’s Guild of Ontario and a past
member of the Home Wine and Beer Trade Association.
Although the Winexpert kits
are excellent, Dave still likes to experiment and see how they can
be enhanced. He's done very well with his wines.
Click for details.
Peg
In addition to applying the
grease that keeps the administrative wheels turning at Winexpert
Newmarket, Peg also has her own business
Key Communications. She provides custom writing services for
busy business people.
Peg enjoys the wine tasting
events that she and Dave attend and is often the designated driver.
Yes, it’s a hard life.
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