Wine was never a part of my story until, working as a nanny for a wealthy family, I was offered a glass on a special occasion. I was impressed by the unexpected gesture of inclusion by my employers, it was the first time I had been offered a glass of wine by them during a celebration. But I was also moved by the elaborate description of the wine given by the restaurants’ sommelier. When I looked down at the menu price, I was stunned. The bottle was priced at above $800. My jaw dropped- the sum was equal to more than my weekly salary. From then on I was curious- ‘What made wine so special?’. I was a good nanny, but the realization that all my hard work was less valuable to this family than what was in my glass hit me like a ton of bricks. I started to read about wine, where it came from, and different styles. I became obsessed.  While this moment certainly left a deep impression on me, sparking my curiosity, it was far from my “Aha!” moment. I was fascinated by the idea of wine as a commodity, but ultimately, I remember being ‘Not so impressed’ by what I actually tasted that night in the glass. However, the experience left me feeling astounded and thirsty to know more.

It wasn't until my mid-twenties when my best friend's father shared with me something he loved; German Riesling- a J.J Prum Auslese, to be specific. With nobody else in his family particularly interested in "Dad’s sweet wine", he excitedly poured both of us a glass in the kitchen of his family home.

Suddenly, it all became clear. It felt like the lights were being turned on, in what I assumed was a dusty old attic- only to reveal an abundance of gold and treasure.

Wine isn't just about prestige or a display of extravagance, reserved only for the wealthy, as I had once assumed. Wine is about feeling, passion, nostalgia, and love.

Wine is a time capsule used to preserve a moment in time, wine can be a place, an experience, a story. Wine is for everyone. This explosion of flavors combined with the sincerity of my host's desire to share something he truly loved with me was touching and ultimately why I was inspired to pursue a formal education in wine.

Today, I am a Sommelier and WSET level 3 scholar, CMS certified and WSET Diploma Candidate. Currently, based in Napa and living the dream working as a harvest Intern.

I am perpetually expanding my knowledge and expertise and look forward to connecting with like minded people. Get in touch with me if you’d like to talk wine, plan an experience, or have an idea of how we’d work well together.