I’m kind of an oak geek. I’m not sure how it happened. First I started drinking wine, then I helped make wine, then I sold wine, and then I sold wine barrels. I’m addicted to trying to understand the whys and hows behind the complex barrel-wine relationship. I even started the first and only independent blog dedicated solely to wine barrels, BarrelBlog.com.
Since I started VinEthos, I’ve also become excited about amphoras, innovative products and marketing. I’m game for anything that helps winemakers and winery owners be great at what they do.
How I Got Hooked
In March of 2003 I took one of the biggest risks of my life. I left my high salaried corporate marketing job, put my belongings in storage and bought a one-way ticket to New Zealand. I hopped off the plane, not knowing a single person in the country, and drove straight to the Marlborough wine region to look for a job.
It is magical how one decision in your life—one right turn instead of a left—can change the course of your future forever. I wanted to live in New Zealand. Just by chance, I arrived at the beginning of harvest and was able to get a job picking grapes. From then on, I knew what I wanted to do with my life.
New Zealand didn't work out, although I went back the following year and worked another harvest, in the winery. I now live in Sausalito, California, traveling often to Napa, Sonoma and the Central Coast. I have my dream job.
A PROMISE TO MY CUSTOMERS:
I appreciate and share your high standards and am dedicated to helping you find the right products to enhance and preserve the character of your wines.
I will listen to you. Then I will tap into my network of manufacturers, artisans and scientists to help you solve problems. I will share ideas and recommendations that will further your winemaking goals and help you make the best wine possible.
You always strive to do better, learn more and see where else your wines can go. I am excited and honored for the opportunity to assist you on this journey.