Alan Schwartz – Founder

A brief history:  Once upon a time … in the Fall of 2001 actually, Rob Groh of The Vine and myself (at the time we were Careful Delivery Services) happened to meet at the old LCBO loading docks – at the time they were located on Freeland St. Soon after our lengthy relationship began.  At the time our respective companies were both in their infancy. From that moment on The Vine grew year by year, and Careful grew alongside.

Our adventure in the wine industry started with two of the very best people we could hope to work in Rob and his partner Anne Jasper.  We became part of their family.  Today that 20 plus year relationship continues. The Vine is now operated by the venerable Ontario winery Cave Springs Cellars, and we have re-branded into Grape Road. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to serving this great industry.  I consider myself extremely lucky to be working for the Wine Agent community. Now we serve many agents and I see that the industry is filled with incredible people.  

I’m also lucky to be working with a great team. People that I really look forward to seeing every day and working with.  People that with their friendly attitude and hard working nature, contribute significantly to the standards we have become known for. 

Why I love this job: It’s great to deliver wine because everyone is always happy to see us. Especially our residential clientele, who eagerly await the arrival of a wine that they have probably been looking forward to trying for some time, and have already curated the meal that they plan on serving with said bottle.  

My job gets me out into the field so that I can see this great province and all of the wonderful restaurants, chefs, bartenders, waiters and neighbourhoods within it. 

Getting my hands dirty:  A couple of years ago I committed to taking at least one shift a week and that was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.  It puts me working right alongside my team.  It helps to keeps me fit. There’s a certain satisfaction in loading up your van with 100 cases of wine and watching it slowly empty as the day progresses.  Hopefully at the end of the day all of those cases are safely delivered, and to the right customers! 

One of my most memorable experiences: Back in the early 2000’s I recall doing deliveries early in the morning to one of Susur Lee’s first restaurants in Toronto – called Susur.  I walked in with the order and was immediately hit with such delicious and unique aromas and the most amazing image of a dozen chef’s, including Mr. Lee, working fastidiously to create the night’s menu, seven hours before the restaurant was to open!  It was a perk of the job to see these chef’s produce colourful (and I’m sure flavourful) dishes.  Works of art to be certain.