Jake Skakun is a wine professional in Vancouver, BC. He completed the Sommelier Diploma Program through the International Sommelier Guild in 2007 and is credited in the Winemaking program at UC Davis. Currently, he is enrolled in the Diploma Program of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust.

Jake was the Assistant Manager of Salt Tasting Room for three years and contributed to the restaurant's award-winning wine program. Children and old ladies trust him. He has toured many of the picturesque wine regions of France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the US and more locally, British Columbia. Most days, you can find him on the floor at the Gastown installation l’Abattoir, where he oversees the wine program.

Jake's Connection to BC: Jake was born in Vancouver but grew up in the small West Kootenay town of Castlegar and was subjected to all the pleasure, trouble and boredom that accompanies a small town upbringing. He has lived in Vancouver off and on for the past eight years.

Reporting Beat: Wine (and the political and social issues that surround it).

Twitter: @jakeskakun

Website: Cherries and Clay