Meet Maria Scharffenberg, a sommelier from Toronto, Canada

Toronto, Canada
Maria Scharffenberg, independent wine expert

Maria Scharffenberg

Maria Scharffenberg, independent wine expert

Maria Scharffenberg

  • I work with wine related company
  • I'm a certified sommelier
  • Eurosommelier

Professional information

Focus Area
Available for tastings
Yes
Speciality
Wine and food pairing, Traditional method sparkling, Wine tourism
Education
Europäische Sommelier Schule, Berlin
Employment
Language
Swedish, English

About Maria

I am originally from Sweden and have lived and worked in Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands. I am currently based in Canada. I am a certified sommelier, educated at the European Sommelier School in Germany, and serve as a teacher within the European School for Sommeliers. I train aspiring sommeliers, lead courses and masterclasses, and take part in certification processes. I also organize tastings and industry events and have served as a jury member at international wine competitions in Germany, Cyprus, and the United States.

My Ratings and Reviews

RossoMalino Veneto IGT Passito Rosso

8/10

"A crisp, fruity flavor with a distinct finish. Crisp tannins that provide structure and character. Absolutely drinkable, but will likely age well for a few years."

Aria Nero d'Avola Terre Siciliane IGT

9/10

"Rich aroma. Deep, complex flavor with notes of juniper berries, strawberries, black currants, black pepper, cranberries, and arugula. Layer upon layer. A wine that unfolds with a long, deep finish."

Aria Syrah Bio Terre Siciliane IGT

7/10

"Exciting, fruity flavor and aroma of anise, dark fruits, vanilla, and strawberries. Distinct tannins that provide structure. Worth aging??"

Valpolicella DOC Classico Superiore

9/10

"Aromas of leather, black currants, juniper berries, blackberries, and tobacco. A full-bodied, round flavor of black pepper, dark fruits, chocolate, and truffles. A mature, multifaceted wine"

Valpolicella DOC Classico

7/10

"Warm notes of black currants and dark fruits"

Colmè Extra Dry Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG

6/10

"Balanced, crisp, and clean. A great example of a well-made Prosecco"

Gran Brut Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG

7/10

"Aromas of raspberry and apple, with a clean flavor and a hint of bitter almond. Delicious and long-lasting aftertaste"

Istrale Black Label Vermentino

7/10

"Full-bodied, fresh. High minerality. Aromas and flavors of sage, lime, white pepper, star fruit, green pepper, and bitter orange"

Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore

6/10

"Aromas and flavors of rosemary, mortadella, oregano, white pepper, and sage. This is a wine to pair with food—full-bodied and well-rounded."

Fadas Isola dei Nuraghi IGP Rosé

7/10

"A wonderfully spicy aroma of coffee, chocolate, cloves, white pepper, and tobacco. The flavor is round and full-bodied, with notes of caramel, coffee, and strawberries. A dry wine with fantastic character"

Falerio Pecorino DOC 2025

8/10

"Aromas of citrus, star fruit, and candy. The flavor is full-bodied and round. Easy to drink, with a long, fresh finish of almond, citrus, and fruit."

Prosecco DOC Rosé Spumante Brut

7/10

"A fresh aroma of strawberries and raspberries, with a hint of lingering yeast and red grapefruit. The flavor is full-bodied and fruity, with notes of grapefruit, red apples, and strawberries. It pairs well both as a cocktail party wine and with fish or cheese."