Faye MacLachlan: Award-Winning Sommelier Elevates Dining at Langdon Hall

Faye MacLachlan, the award-winning sommelier and director of wines at Langdon Hall, is committed to enhancing the dining experience through her extensive wine knowledge. In September 2025, MacLachlan received the prestigious Toronto Michelin Sommelier Award, marking a significant milestone in her two-decade journey in the wine industry.

MacLachlan’s passion for wine began unexpectedly when a guest at Langdon Hall gifted her a bottle of white Châteauneuf-du-Pape. “I took it home and then I drank it. That was it. I was like, ‘I need to know more,’” she explained during a recent interview. At that time, she was leading the bar program at Langdon Hall, with Katy Moore serving as the head sommelier. Their shared experiences as young women in the industry helped MacLachlan envision a clear career path. “Twenty years ago, there were a lot fewer female sommeliers. I didn’t even realize it at the time how lucky I was,” she said.

Breaking Barriers in the Sommelier Profession

Historically, the sommelier profession has been male-dominated, despite the increasing presence of women in hospitality roles. In 2011, Jennifer Heuther became Canada’s first female Master Sommelier, paving the way for future generations. Today, while women comprise a significant portion of students in professional wine education programs, less than one-third of sommeliers in the U.S. are female.

In response to the challenges within the industry, MacLachlan is dedicated to training the next generation of wine professionals. She holds certifications from the International Sommelier Guild and the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and teaches certification classes at Langdon Hall. The establishment recently launched a sommelier apprentice program, aimed at nurturing employees who have begun their wine education. Apprentices work closely with the sommelier team, gaining practical experience in tastings and wine selection.

“It’s super valuable for the rest of our service team to see that there are paths to a career here too,” MacLachlan noted. As apprentices complete their training, they may be considered for roles within Langdon Hall, offering a clear trajectory in the hospitality sector.

MacLachlan emphasizes the importance of continuous education in the wine industry. Growing up on a maple syrup farm without electricity in Huntsville, she learned the value of curiosity and self-directed learning. “If you wanted to know something, you went and learned about it,” she said. Her thirst for knowledge drives her to travel and explore wine regions, further enhancing her expertise.

A Celebration of Achievement

Receiving the Michelin award was a moment of joy for MacLachlan, although the announcement was unexpected. While in Argentina for a wine professionals’ trip, she received a flurry of congratulatory messages. “It was wonderful. If I had to not be there, I was in the best second-best place, for sure,” she reflected.

MacLachlan’s current interests include lesser-known wine regions that utilize indigenous grapes, such as Touriga Nacional and Fernão Pires from Portugal, as well as Pošip and Plavac Mali from Croatia. Her dedication to broadening her palate and knowledge inspires her team and guests alike.

In her role at Langdon Hall, MacLachlan not only oversees a cellar housing over 2,000 labels but also fosters a culture of appreciation for wine among diners. Her approach is not just about serving drinks; it’s about creating connections and enhancing moments around the table. As she remarked, “I’m at your table, we’re talking wine, we’re here to have a great connection.”