Yellowknife (Feb 18/05) - Fiset is the man when you want that perfect wine to complement that perfect meal you are preparing.

Dominic Fiset, a wine specialist at the Yellowknife Liquor store on Old Airport Road, is sure to have the suggestion for you.

Wine specialist Dominic Fiset is on hand at the Yellowknife Liquor Store on Old Airport Road to provide customers with advice on purchasing the correct wine for a meal or occasion.

"The most important aspect of my job is to recommend wine to the customer and to give personal service to find the right wine for the person," Fiset said.

Similar to the job of a sommelier - a wine expert within a restaurant who has extensive knowledge of wine and food pairings - Fiset said he performs the same type of role, with the exception of the wine tasting.

Fiset began his career in his home province of Quebec, where he once worked as a cashier in a government-owned liquor store.

"A sommelier was working in the store and I observed him and liked aspects of the job," he said.

Eventually, Fiset decided to pursue the career, obtained his degree in food and beverage service and visited many vineyards and studied the art.

Eventually, he came to Yellowknife, where he worked at L'Heritage restaurant.

"I then went to Calgary and came back after about five months. I was in the Yellowknife Liquor Store one day purchasing wine, got into a discussion about wines with the owner and was offered a job," he said.

Now with a selection of about 650 different wines, Fiset said he is always trying to ensure customers have the newest and best wines available.

"I enjoy customer service. I have regular customers who often look for new wines to try," he said. "I like to stay on top of the wine news and vintage reports."

Challenges do exist on the job for Fiset, however.

"I like to be ahead of the game and know what is going to be the next big thing," he said of the changing variety of wines.

But the great reward for Fiset comes when he discovers he has made the perfect selection.

"I like when a customer comes back and tells me they've enjoyed the wine."