Françoise Abro, Director Abcon Wines

Françoise Abro founded Abcon Wine Merchants in 1993, as a way to introduce Ontario consumers to high quality, boutique South African wines. Her incredible enthusiasm and knowledge of wine, has enabled her to establish one of the most respected portfolios of internationally acclaimed wine brands in Ontario.

Françoise says:

"My relationship with wine started many years ago sharing, tasting and learning with my father. I discovered years later, that I had inherited both my father’s natural palate and love for wine. My family name “DELAMOTTE” also happens to be that of a very famous French Champagne house… maybe somewhere there is a very old link in the family tree and I was destined to be in this industry! "

Mark McFadyen, Director Abcon Wines

Mark’s enthusiasm and knowledge is only out-matched by his passion for wine. Mark has built a formidable reputation as a Wine industry professional working with some of the top restaurants in Ontario. With his background in sales and hospitality as well as his understanding of the wine market from all perspectives he continues to tailor Abcon Wines portfolio with customers and quality in mind.

Mark says:

“The nodding enthusiasm of a sommelier tasting one of our new wine finds is as thrilling today as it was ten years ago.

The quiet satisfaction in introducing wine gems unearthed by our team is the impetus for Abcon and myself.

And wines should be exciting! Wine should make you take notice on that first whiff or sip. We call it the “wow” factor and the unprecedented growth of Abcon Wines has allowed us to source a wide array of new and dazzling wines from passionate winemakers around the world.

I am very proud of our portfolio and hope to “wow” you with it in the near future”.

Favourite quote: “If a life of wine, women and song becomes too much, give up the singing”

Hana Jaksova, Sales Expert - Metro Toronto

Hana hails from the Czech Republic. It was her passion and her family’s business that made her choose fine wine as a career. Having arrived from the Czech Republic in 2000, Hana has become a well known wine person in the Toronto market and brings to Abcon Wines a great palate and personality!

Hana says:

“As a ‘New Canadian,’ I jumped at the opportunity to join the Abcon Wine Team.

Each day I meet new people and drink great wines – what more could a girl want?”

Tracey Busch, Sales Expert - Ontario North-West

Tracey has been part of Abcon’s team for over 8 years. As our “out-of-town” representative she has developed her niche market in outlying areas. Tracey’s excellent organizational skills and her enthusiastic approach to sales have rewarded her with a loyal and constant customer base.

Tracey says:

“With two young daughters to raise, promoting and selling wines is the perfect fit for my lifestyle. Presenting fine wines to the local country establishments and golf resorts in my neighborhood has been so rewarding for me and… fun!

Rob Beardall, Sales Expert - Ottawa - Capital City

Rob pursued this love through graduating from the Sommelier program, whilst working in the hospitality industry serving and managing at restaurants that placed strong focus on their wine lists. Therefore in 1999 it was a natural transition for him to start selling wines and consulting on wine lists. Rob has also been fortunate enough to travel extensively, and always manages to work a wine tour into any trip involving a grape-growing country!

Rob says:

“At an early age I became inspired for the love of wine and food by my extended family who all love to get together to share a glass and their latest recipes – quote –

‘There is a wine for every occasion and every individual’…”