Warren Porter
President

Warren opened Iron Gate Cellarage in 2004 strictly as an off-site wine storage facility. After a 20 year career in technology and telecommunications, Warren decided that it was time to pursue a career in one of his two passions – wine or golf. After objectively analyzing his golf swing, it was determined that fine wine was the path to choose. He could always learn more about wine, but the golf swing was unlikely to change.

In 2007, Iron Gate Cellarage changed its name to Iron Gate – Private Wine Management (now usually referred to simply as Iron Gate), reflecting our growth as more than a storage facility. Warren has played a key role in the growth of Canada’s fine wine collecting community, creating new ways for wine lovers to engage with their passion.

Irina fell in love with the wine industry when working her first vintage in Bordeaux. After staying in France for another year, she then moved to New Zealand to do her Masters (writing her thesis on international wine sales), and worked for Jackson Estate Wine Company in marketing and sales. After New Zealand, Irina moved permanently to Canada where she continued her wine education with the Independent Wine Education Guild (IWEG).

She is currently working on her WSET Diploma level, and achieved 3rd place in an all Ontario wine-tasting competition in a non-professional round. Irina manages all aspects of client relations, cellar management, and private wine sales. She has vast experience managing clients needs, a deep understanding of the wine market when it comes to selling your collection, and looks forward to working with you!

Before starting at IronGate, Tracie worked in operations in the Analytical Chemistry Industry for 20 years. Now she handles IronGate's storage operations in the US and is behind the scenes helping with Canadian auctions. Tracie enjoys relaxing with her family and a nice glass of wine, and with all she has learned from her teammates and work, she has no problem selecting the right bottle for the occasion.

After completing a Geology degree at Memorial University, and a diploma in Marine Geomatics at NSCC, Nova Scotia, Megan started with the Raymonds Restaurant Group in St. John’s, Newfoundland. It was at Raymonds where Megan quickly realized her passion for learning about wine, and sharing that knowledge with those around her. Megan completed her WSET Level 3 with Autour du Vin and her WSET Diploma with the IWEG in 2018.

In 2018, we were very fortunate that Megan agreed to join Iron Gate as your Senior Client Manager.

Stephen has over 35 years of experience in the fine art and fine wine auction industry, and has held leadership and ownership positions in two of Canada’s leading auction houses. In 2002, Stephen pioneered the sale of fine wine at auction in Canada by forming a partnership with the LCBO that sold over $4 million dollars annually over the course of his tenure. In 2020, Stephen founded Ranger Wine, a boutique fine wine agency specialising in award-winning small production wines from BC, Europe and the UK. Ranger Wine also provides consulting services to collectors across the country and to auction houses in Canada and the USA.

Stephen is considered Canada’s most prominent Fine Wine auctioneer and lends his expertise to numerous charitable and cultural organizations each year. Stephen is delighted to serve as Senior Advisor to Iron Gate Auctions working closely with the team and offering seasoned, thoughtful advice to our clients.

Having spent most of her career in the travel industry, Carmen comes to Iron Gate without a deep knowledge of wine, but with exceptional management and organization skills. Carmen is responsible for Iron Gate’s facilities in Canada, including our two Toronto storage vaults and our Auction site in Calgary, Alberta. Carmen is responsible for the accurate movement of wine in and out of the vaults and the management of the facilities in general.

Remi (Rem) has worked with Iron Gate in the past as the charge behind most of our events including Decant (the largest private order wine show ever staged in Toronto), and numerous others. A natural people-person, Remi now helps clients move their wine throughout Canada and around the world.

As Director of Spirits, Ajay is Canada's first certified Whisky Ambassador and Canada's first certified Scotch Professional. Ajay is the Director of North American Operations for the Whisky Ambassador Ltd from Scotland and has also co-developed the Advanced Whisky Ambassador certification. This Fall, Ajay is completing the Diploma in Single Malt Whisky from the Edinburgh Whisky Academy.

As a specialist and thought-leader in the Canadian Fine Wine industry, Iron Gate is thrilled to bring Ajay's expertise in rare and investment-grade spirits to the table. With an established and growing interest in fine spirits collecting across the country, Ajay will be significant in sourcing new collections, providing collection consultations, and assisting our buyers and sellers achieve their goals. In addition, a part of Ajay's mandate will be to host events and lead educational tastings for collectors within our base.

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