I first learned about wine in Argentina; before traveling to South America, I hadn’t even been what I would call a wine drinker. A memorable Malbec is what sparked my interest.  I call Malbec the “Nerd” grape because no one knows it exists but, once it is discovered, people are pleasantly surprised with the results.  After learning about wine from a gentleman named Wille - who I refer to as a wine maniac - my desire was fueled to open a small wine boutique and share the wonders of wine with others.  In October of 2001, I opened Uncorked Fine Wines & Accessories, in 2006 I became a Certified Sommelier and today I continue my wine trek conducting classes, events and working with my friends and Tosti's Spirits & Fine Wines.

I bypass the typical reliance on French wines like Bordeaux for the less familiar varietals from Spain, Portugal and South America. In the USA, I typically choose great wines from Washington State and Oregon over commercially popular California.  My bias is smaller, family managed vineyards where I make discoveries that deliver rich taste and great value.  I hope that my wine savvy can benefit everyone from the wine novice to the experienced wine drinker.

Other opportunities I have had to share my wine knowledge include assisting restaurateurs with their wine lists, publication of wine articles, working with event and travel planners and I am currently writing a book about wine grape varietals and their personalities.