CV

Professional Summary

My background in art history has given me the vantage point to look at beverage differently and holistically to understood the importance of its role in social interactions and in one's community. Wine and spirits do not exist in a vacuum. What is in your glass has been influenced by it's particular agricultural community, by the current politics, by the blender or winemaker, the artist who designed the bottle, the importer who brought it closer to you, and of course yourself by choosing that beverage.

As a Sommelier, I deliver the story of each wine, beer, or spirit as an art piece to be easily enjoyed. I source out unique products and how to best serve them to each client I meet. This starts with a hunger for constant knowledge, hands on experience in the field, continued education and certification, and detail-oriented organization. These are pillars that supports my career in education and hospitality, and what I can bring to you and your business.

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Skills

Wine Education Writing Classic and Modern Cocktails Private Events Public Speaking Cellar Management Creative Initiatives POS Systems

Work Experience

Prestige Ledroit Distribution, Spirits Specialist and Sommelier

2022- Present

Prestige Ledroit is the top distribution company in DC, MD, and DE for wine and spirits. As part of the sales team I represent our products and present them to the proper accounts. Uniquely as a Sommelier, I can also aid in wine and cocktail menu design and selection for a more in depth service.

Apéro, General Manager and Sommelier

2020- 2022

I opened this Champagne bar with Advanced Sommelier, Elli Benchimol, focusing on a comprehensive Champagne list by the glass and bottle paired along side of DC's most extensive and accessible caviar selection. I ran service, selected wines for the menu, as well as financials. This was truly a passion project that we ran, built and run by Sommeliers to provide in a tucked away location.

RPM Italian, Sommelier

2018- 2021

In addition to maintaining a 3,000 bottle list with weekly ordering and inventory, I worked closely with our Private Events team to make selections for large events and be the beverage lead at the time of their event. I have a close relationship with the staff, spear heading weekly education, wine tasting, and visits to wineries and distilleries.

2018 Harvest

Treasury Wine Estates, Grower Relations

I was in charge of over 90 vineyard plots through Lodi and surrounding regions. Being the communication between the grower and the buyer, I monitored pH, TA, and Brix levels of the grapes in each plot to help determine harvest date and how the grapes would ultimately be processed for that vintage.

2018

Church Hall, Bar Manager

At a large location with 40 taps honoring majority local beers, I instilled an emphasis on intensive knowledge of beer production, hop strains, and styles among the staff in addition to keeping an organized and profitable bar.

2016-2018

Cork Market and Wine Bar, Wine Sales

Though my focus was on wine sales in the market and at the bar, I also took part in cheese selection, inventory, and bartending. Cork gave me the experience of simultaneously taking charge in a retail and bar space, while pushing our guests perceptions of classic wines.

Education

2016- Present

Wine and Spirits Education Trust

Diploma (Level 4)

2019

Court of Master Sommeliers

Certified

2012-2016

The George Washington University

Magna Cum Laude, Bachelors in Art History and American Studies

How Did I Get Into This?

Most Sommeliers have an "it" wine that changed the trajectory of their career. To be honest, I have an "it" wine or spirit once a month that reaffirms my love, but there was a first. When I experienced a devastatingly beautiful bottle of 1990 Chateau Lafite Rothschild I believed, and still do, that wine has the power to change lives and move worlds. I try to capture and pass on that potency of history, love, and art every day.