Hi! & Welcome!
In 2011 I was a broke college kid that knew nothing about wine.
Sure, I could tell red from white and that bubbles are always welcome at any party, but that was the extent of my knowledge. The desire to pay my rent on time was the only reason I walked into Sip…A Wine Store with my resume in my hand.
Twelve years later, I’m so glad I did. But it wasn’t easy to get started.
It’s all just a lot to take in! Geography and farming practices, politics and family dramas; it’s dates and maps and soil compositions and a dizzying array of interpretations, opinions, and thought pieces.
I’ve suffered through the snobbery of self-styled “wine enthusiasts”. I’ve felt stupid in front of condescending sommeliers. Trust me: I know how overwhelming it can be when you decide to take the leap into the wine world.
I don’t want anyone else to feel small or bullied over my favorite beverage ever again.
So welcome to a new way to learn about wine: one that’s tailored entirely to you. Forget snobs and scores – instead, we’re putting the focus back in your hands. You’re curious, you’re capable, and you’re thirsty. That’s all it takes.
A Little About Me
I’ve come a long way since I rang up my first sale at Sip…A Wine Store. A spark was lit, fueled by the myriad complexities and stories contained within a single mixed case of wine. There was never enough time to learn, to travel the world one glass at a time. Teaching curious consumers, whether in a formal class or at check-out, became my everything.
Unfortunately, Sip closed and I had to pivot. I spent years in the restaurant industry, working my way up to bar manager of a James Beard-award-winning restaurant in Raleigh, North Carolina. I got to continue teaching, empowering my staff with the wine knowledge they needed to provide excellent hospitality to our guests every night.
Just before a milestone birthday, I needed a change of scenery (I know, it’s so typical!). I re-entered the wine industry, working alongside the amazing Jenn King at Seaboard Wine in Raleigh. My life is so much richer for knowing her.
Jenn’s relatable teaching style and her preternatural ability to recall any label or any winemaker no matter the time that’s passed continue to leave me starstruck. I’m inspired by the way she brings wine back down to earth, snatching it from the stratosphere of hoity-toity “connoisseurs” and pouring it out for the rest of us with a wink.
That’s the kind of wine educator, writer, and curator I aim to be.
At the end of the day, wine is a grocery item, an agricultural product that’s been getting people shit-faced for thousands of years. It’s here for you to enjoy! No matter how much or how little you want to learn about it, it’s meant to bring happiness with every sip. The homework? Tasting more wine. How great is that?!
Speaking of homework, I’m doing a lot of it these days. As of early 2023, I’m studying for the WSET level 3 certification. It’s mainly for me, but it’s also for you: I sit through the hours of instruction and testing so you don’t have to. Channeling Jenn, I wade through all the extra stuff and help you learn what you want to know.
So let’s schedule a chat! I’m here to help you read between the vines.
