Meet Sommelier Daniel
For Daniel McDonough, wine has never been just a drink — it’s a story worth sharing. With over 20 years in hospitality, he brings warmth, curiosity, and a deep well of knowledge to every table, turning each pour into a moment guests remember.
A certified Sommelier through the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS), Daniel spent seven years as Fine Dining Manager and Sommelier at Toronto’s Boulevard Club, and taught Wine, Spirits, and Service at Centennial College for eight years. His passion has carried him through many of the world’s great wine regions — Napa Valley, Champagne, Alsace, Mosel, Tuscany, Vinho Verde, and Chile’s Maipo Valley among them.
Today Daniel is the resident Sommelier at the Granite Golf Club and represents Niagara’s acclaimed Château des Charmes alongside the artisan agency Barrel Select. But his greatest passion is hosting tutored tastings and private events — pairing each course with a wine that has a backstory, and sharing the why behind every match. Together with Chef Michael, he’s one half of the Culinary & Cork experience.
Sommelier-Paired Wine Experiences
What sets Culinary & Cork apart is the seamless pairing of exceptional food with curated wine selections. Daniel works alongside Chef Michael to create sommelier-inspired tastings and hand-picked wine pairings chosen to complement every course — from bold Barolo reds to crisp Ontario whites. Whether you’re planning a wine-paired dinner in Collingwood, a cocktail-style grazing event in Barrie, or a champagne sabrage experience in Muskoka, the Culinary & Cork team brings a level of sophistication you won’t find anywhere else in the region.
Champagne Sabrage — A Culinary & Cork Signature
No celebration is complete without a little theatre. Daniel’s champagne sabrage — the dramatic opening of a bottle with a sabre — is a signature Culinary & Cork showstopper that turns the start of your evening into a moment your guests won’t forget. Paired with the right bubbles and a story behind every pour, it’s the perfect way to toast any occasion.
See It Live