Behind the Scenes at i4C – Part One

Trisha Molokach, Event Director

While she’s usually a behind-the-scenes kind of gal, we’ve dragged our Event Director Trisha Molokach into the spotlight today because she’s long overdue for some recognition and thanks! 

Trisha joined the i4C team in 2012 in the role of VIP Concierge, helping us to “button down” many organizational aspects of the still-young i4C organization that had just held its first event in 2011. Drawing on her background in event and conference services, as well as customer service, Trisha quickly became our founding Event Director Dorian Anderson’s right-hand woman. So, when Dorian moved on in 2017, Trisha was perfectly positioned to take over the critical role of Event Director.  

In that role, Trisha directly liaises with our Ontario producers as well as with their representatives on our Board of Directors. She also looks after our ever-important sponsors. Beloved by her team and volunteers old and new, Trisha is also the first person that our international producers interact with, enhancing their welcome to Canada and easing them into their duties for the weekend.

Though most i4C guests will never meet Trisha, it’s because of her guiding hand and diligence year-round that we can deliver Niagara’s premier wine weekend. 

Q&A with Trisha

Q What do you love most about Cool Climate Chardonnay?

A I became a huge fan of Cool Climate Chardonnay when I discovered its versatility while studying at George Brown for my CAPS certification in 2007. Up until then, I was one of the ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) crowd until I really started to taste Ontario Chards. That was it for me, and it continues to be my go-to beverage of choice.

Q Now that you’ve been through many i4C weekends, do you have a favourite memory?

A This is a tough one. There are special moments every year, but if I had to choose just one, it would be getting back to hosting live events in 2022 after two pandemic years of doing it all virtually. It was so good to be together again, celebrating in new venues. I had missed being with our vollie cru, missed doing events. We celebrated with fireworks at the end of our Chardonnay in the Vineyard event at Riverbend Inn. We were all together and it was magical.

Q In an event known for its coolness, tell us about the “warm and fuzzy” moments.

A The i4C weekend is the perfect environment for multiple warm and fuzzy moments. I love seeing ABCers become Chardonnay lovers – I love watching the lightbulb come on – and yes, it happens a lot. Also, it’s great to see the camaraderie between our international and Ontario producers. And I get to see guests come back year after year – we have some enthusiastic Grand Cru weekend package attendees who have returned multiple times – and it is always great to see them again.

However, it is our returning sponsors who continue to support this amazing event who create the warm-and-fuzzy feeling of gratitude for me. Some even come back to volunteer! And speaking of volunteers, there is absolutely no volunteer crew like the i4C Cru! Some have been with us since the first year in 2011, and some have just joined up. But they are all the best group of people, bar none, and we laugh and hug a lot!

Q What are you the most proud of?

A I am proud to be a part of the Ontario wine community. I have met and worked with some pretty incredible people who have changed my life in so many ways. I never want that to end, and will forever be a Cool Climate Chardonnay promoter! #celebratechardonnayineveryway