My guest today is Laura Deyermond, Head of Viticulture for Newton Vineyards and a 2022 Wine Enthusiast Future 40 recipient.  In this episode Laura shares her passion for farming grapes sustainably and organically to preserves the ecosystem in the vineyard.  She will also talk about the various roles it takes to manage and maintain a working vineyard and she’ll give advice to help you get your hands dirty in the vineyard too.         Resources: * Book a private career...

Today I am honored to introduce you to Elizabeth Vianna, Winemaker and GM of the famed Chimney Rock Winery in the Stags Leap District here in Napa Valley.  Her story of going from medical school to making a world-class Cab. Sauv. in one of the greatest wine regions in the world, will inspire you.  And she offers great advice to help you start on your journey.      Resources:* Book a private career coaching session with Karen Wetzel at https://go.oncehub.com/KarenWetzel* Receive a 5% discount...

We’ve finally come to the third and final episode in our series featuring the talent acquisition team with SGWS, the largest distributor in American In our first episode we met Vince Pierce, the Senior Director and Head of Talent Acquisition.  In the second episode you met  Chip Turrisi, Director of Early Career Recruiting and Mike Cashion, Senior Talent Acquisition Manager for ETP, which is a fancy term for IT.  And last but not least, today I’ll introduce you to Brittany Merritt, National...

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is how to become a wine educator.  So, In an effort to answer this burning question, I recruited my good friend, and co-worker, Jean Cox.  Jean is a long-standing wine instructor at the NVWA and wears a few other hats as well.  She’ll give us a peek behind the curtain into the life of a wine educator and provide great advice and direction for those who want to follow in her footsteps.  If becoming a wine educator is how you want to make a...

I’m excited to bring you part 2 of our 3-part series featuring the talent acquisition team with SGWS, the largest distributor in AmericanIn our first episode we met Vince Pierce, the Senior Director and fearless leader of Talent Acquisition and he gave us an overview of what his team does and a general idea of the roles they recruit for.  Today we’ll drill down further and talk about specific opportunities.  Chip Turrisi, Early Career Recruiting & Programs Manager, will tell us how to go...

Today you’ll meet Jodie Battles, Managing Partner & Beverage Director for JK Food Group.You’ll learn about her journey from part-time server to overseeing the beverage programs at acclaimed Boston Area restaurants Toro, Coppa, Little Donkey, Faccia a Faccia and Bar PallinoNo matter where you are in your wine journey, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration to help you jump start your wine career, with or without experience.I can’t wait for you to meet Jodie! Resources:Book a...

We are all about helping you increase your odds of finding the wine job of your dreams.  To that end, my guest today is Cindy Peck, Director of Career Strategy @ Drucker School of Management.  In this episode Cindy will set you up for job search success by sharing her expertise on how to showcase you and your personal brand in the best possible image and how and where to promote yourself through networking and social media, including the all-important Linked In platform.    This is your...

I’m so glad you’re joining me today. I was lucky enough to connect with the Talent Acquisition Team for the largest wine distributor in the US – SGWS. With over 22,000 employees strong, they are one of the largest wine industry employers in the world, with job opportunities in 44 US states. When meeting with their team, I found such a treasure trove of valuable information that I decided to run this as a 3-part series to help you understand the varied opportunities there are in wine...

In this episode you will meet my fantastic guest, Allison Day, who started her company Good Things Done Right from the ground up and turned it into a highly sought-after wine-centric Social Media and Marketing company. Good Things Done Right serving a client list of some of the most well-known, iconic wineries and organizations in Wine Country.  Allison shares her inspiring story and will turn you on to some new wine industry careers that you probably don’t even know exist. Stay tuned...

Have you ever wondered what’s it like to work for one of the most prestigious wineries in the Napa Valley?  Well today you’ll meet Amber, Mihna, Director of Global Sales for Staglin Family Vineyard.  She’ll share the story of Staglin Family Vineyard as well as her own unique journey in the wine world. Along the way Amber will offer insights and advice on how to enter the wine industry and what it takes to work for an iconic producer.  Stay tuned until the end when she shares inspiring words...

My very special guests today are both winemakers at the famed Domaine Carneros Winery in the Carneros AVA of Napa Valley.  Zak Miller leads the Sparkling Wine team and TJ Evans is in charge of Pinot Noir production. Their journeys into winemaking are quite different but mutually inspiring.  They’ll share their wine stories and give us the inside scoop on what it takes to make iconic sparkling wine and world class Pinot Noir.  And the best part is, they’ll tell you how to get your start...

Every guest we’ve showcased on the show has had an interesting wine journey to share, and today’s guest, Clare Tooley, is no exception.  Join us and follow her path from her European roots to becoming a Master of Wine, and ultimately moving to the US as Vice President of Guest Experiences at the Boisset Collection. Clare has worn many hats and she’ll share her advice and expertise to help you pursue your wine passion and join the wine industry. Resources: * Book a private career...

When you think of a career in the wine industry do you find yourself dreaming of what it would be like to live and work in a world renowned wine region like Burgundy or Tuscany?  If so, this episode is for you. My guest, Emily Lester, aka ParisWineGirl, will share her wine journey that brought her to France where she has created a world that blends her love of the arts with the world of wine.  Stay tuned until the end when Emily generously shares her insights and advice on how you can follow...

One of the things I love most about the wine industry is that it is steeped in history and tradition.  Like a steadfast friend that you can count on. But, the other thing I love about the wine industry is that it is constantly evolving and looking toward the future.  And in today’s episode, the future’s so bright you’ll have wear shades.  I’m going to introduce you to Andrew Allison, CEO and co-founder of Cuvee Collective.  Andrew and his team are blowing the lid off of the future by...

Today I’m honored to introduce you to Alicia Towns Franken, a veteran of the hospitality industry and Board Member and Mentor at Wine Unify.  In this episode I tap her vast experience to discuss a wide range of career opportunities as well as her dedication to advancing diversity at Wine Unify.  Be sure to stay tuned until to end when Alicia will tell us all about wine education award and mentorship opportunities to help you advance your wine education and find your way into the...

Geralyn Brostrom is an instructor in the Wine MBA program at the Wine Business Institute at SSU.  She’s also the Developer of the Italian Wine Professional certification program and co-founder of the website ItalianWineCentral.com.  And, as if that weren’t enough, she’s a consultant, public speaker, and the author of well-known books - the Business of Wine and Into Italian Wine.  Geralyn offers a mountain of insights to help you dive into the wine industry headfirst so be sure to stick...

If you have ever thought about sharing your passion for wine by writing about it, then this episode is for you!  Today my guest is Jonathan Cristaldi.  Jonathan is an established wine writer with more than a decade of experience. His articles have appeared in publications such as Decanter, Food & Wine, The SOMM Journal and the Tasting Panel Magazines just to name a few.  He is also our Editor in Chief here at the NVWA and was recently a guest speaker at the Wine Writer’s...

My guest today is Dale Stratton.  Dale has spent the better part of 40 years imbedded in the wine industry and is a treasure trove of knowledge.  He is currently serving as the President of the Wine Market Council, the Managing Director for Azur Associates and as an Analyst for Sip Source.  He’s a little like me – he just can’t stay away from this crazy business.  I know you will find his journey inspiring and that it will motivate you to dive in with both feet. As always, be sure to stay...

My guest today is Catherine Bugue, co-founder and VP of Education at Napa Valley Wine Academy. Her unlikely entrance into the wine industry will surprise and delight you and you’ll find her enthusiasm for wine education inspiring.  Along the way Catherine will tell you all about the entertaining and engaging programs we now offer, beyond WSET and wine certifications.  In this episode you will find there is something for everyone.  Be sure and stay tuned until the end when Catherine will...

In this episode you are going to meet my good friend, and wine entrepreneur, DeLauren Everett.  DeLauren started her own company, Blends and Bubbly, out of her passion for wine and her drive to be a part of wine industry.  She’ll share her inspiring journey with us and, at the end of the show, she’ll give you advice how you can follow your dream and become a wine entrepreneur too.  Resources: * Book a private career coaching session with Karen Wetzel at...

Join us and meet Master Sommelier Thomas Price and Master of Wine Ashley Hausman with the Somm Foundation to learn about their enrichment experiences and scholarship opportunities that help break down barriers to open doors and help you realize your goals.  Stay tuned until the end and we’ll tell you how you can apply for the upcoming Wine Education Scholarship being offered in partnership between the Somm Foundation and us here at the NVWA. Resources: * Book a private career...

In this episode you’ll meet Mater of Wine, Vanessa Conlin.  Vanessa is the Chief Wine Officer at Wine Access and has an extensive resume working in many fields of the wine industry from New York to California.    In this interview, Vanessa will talk about her amazing journey to becoming the 52nd Master of Wine in the US, as well as her diverse career path and her work at Wine Access. At the end of the show Vanessa will share her best suggestions to help you start or continue your own wine...

Have you ever pictured yourself coming home at the end of your work day with mud-stained boots from working in a vineyard, or red wine stains on your shirt after shoveling grapes in a winery?  Well if getting your hands dirty speaks to you, then strap your hat on for today’s episode.  Our guest is Nate Weis, the VP of Winegrowing and a winemaker at the prestigious Silver Oak Winery and Twomey Cellars.  He will give you a sense of what it’s like to work in the vineyard and in the wine...

In this episode we you’ll meet Bailey Gins from SGWS.  She started off in a sales role, and has worked her way up to become  a Talent Cultivation Manager.  Baily not only helps employees get started in their new job, but she also helps them grow their careers.  We’ll talk about everything from onboarding, to skills training and leadership development.  After this episode you will have a 360 degree picture of what life is like working for the largest distributor in the country, and it will...