For many years I was living in Japan and teaching English, and when I finally came back to America I began my search for a “real job”. In the meantime, I started working at a restaurant just to pay the bills. I didn’t know a thing about wine at the time, but when the manager who was responsible for the wine program left, I was somehow nominated to take on the role.I started learning (and drinking) more so that I could do my job well, and I found myself falling in love with this magical beverage – an art form that reflects place and time so remarkably, that elevates the enjoyment of food to a new level, and that brings people together in pure joy. I was hooked.
After a while I decided that I wanted a job where I could focus all of my attention on wine, and I just happened to come across Jason’s post for a position at a brand new shop in Mosaic. We met up in the empty shell of a storefront that would ultimately become Swirl & Sip, and we discovered that we really gelled in terms of our philosophies and goals. The rest is history!
What I look for in a wine:
I tend to like Reds that have strong earthy components – particularly leathery, smoky, and spicy flavors. I generally gravitate towards regions that have warm-ish climates, where these savory notes are balanced nicely by darker fruits, softer acid, and riper tannins. My go-tos are anything from the Rhone Valley, southern Italy, Spain, or Chile.
I love crisp Provence-style Roses and salty, mineral-driven white wines. But my real guilty pleasure is bubbly – if I could drink a nice glass of Champagne every day for the rest of my life, I would die happy!
What I do when I'm not drinking wine:
On my days off you’ll find me chasing after my two young children – an incredibly smart (and unabashedly opinionated) 5-year-old, and a fearless 3-year-old who already loves a good adventure. I spent years traveling around the world and hope to share more of it with them when they’re older. For now, I’m happy sneaking out to a winery to share a good bottle of wine and some beautiful scenery with my husband when I have the chance!
Wine Certifications:
WSET Level 2 (Intermediate), Passed with Distinction
WSET Level 3 (Advanced), Passed with Distinction
WSET Educator for Level 2 Course
How I got into wine:
Going to school for hospitality, wine was always a part of my curriculum. But I didn’t really focus on wine until I did a study abroad program in Switzerland. Learning about the industry in such a picturesque place near some of the best wine regions in the world – how could I not fall in love?
When I returned to school in the US, I added a Beverage Management minor to my degree and spent my days in classes about the science of vines, pairing and serving of wine, and creating beverage menus. Upon graduation, I moved to the Virginia area in hopes of furthering my wine experience and found the best family at Swirl & Sip.
What I look for in a wine:
I drink wines all over the spectrum, but I definitely have a few favorite styles. When I’m in the mood for red, I find myself drawn to Cabernet Franc and other spiced, but not overly tannic wines. For whites, I love Sauvignon Blanc, especially from New Zealand. My favorite Swirl & Sip wine at the moment is the Orchard Lane Sauvignon Blanc.
What I do when I'm not drinking wine:
I have always been a bookworm, so reading takes up a lot of my free time. I also love hiking, yoga, and exploring museums. When I have the time, I also really enjoy going to concerts and musicals with friends.
Wine Certifications:
WSET Level 2 (Intermediate), Passed with Distinction
How I got into wine:
I am brand new to The Wine Life. Three years of law school and three more years in Big Law left me with burnout and high blood pressure. After paying off my six-figure student loans, I quit and started exploring the roads not taken. I’ve always enjoyed wine tasting with family and friends. Some of my most joyful memories are of visits to wineries in Traverse City, Saratoga, and Napa Valley with my family. I’m enjoying learning about the world of wine and learning about my own tastes by trying new wines sharing them with friends.
What I look for in a wine:
I am still learning about my wine preferences. My go-to has always been Malbec, but before now I could never have explained why! I am finding that I enjoy dry medium- to full-bodied, fruit-forward wines with a touch of oak. My favorite wine I have tried so far at Swirl & Sip is the Siete Fincas Malbec.
What I do when I'm not drinking wine:
On my days off, I row on the Anacostia River with DC Strokes. I also love brunch, and trying out new restaurants in the city. I am also a horror fan and love watching scary movies with friends all year round.
How I got into wine:
I fell in love with The Wine Life shortly after graduating college. I would travel with my girlfriend (now wife) to the wineries around Virginia learning about the winemaking process and tasting everything I could. It was amazing to discover this whole world of beautiful flavor profiles accompanied with food that creates unforgettable memories – the moments that enrich your life.
I’ve always wanted to start a business and one night after a bottle or two my wife suggested, why not wine? So the dream was born to marry passion and work, and I’ve never looked back. Nothing can replace the excitement in finding a bottle that over-delivers for the price or tasting something that blows your mind and changes the wine game for you.
It’s an honor to share the stories of small family farmers from around the world with our wonderful customers, the people who make it all possible for us. I’m especially privileged to work with such a passionate and talented team that is committed to delivering the best values, taking care of our customers, and supporting each other.
What I look for in a wine:
In reds I generally gravitate towards full-bodied,concentrated dark fruit flavors alongside complementary earthy or oaky notes. My favorite flavor profiles are blackberry, black cherry, cedar, dirty, and funky. I love wines from Napa (and most of California), the Rhone Valley, and many regions of Spain.
I’m all over the board in the chilled wine category: I enjoy oaky whites, Gewurtraminer, Dry Rieslings, Bandol Roses, and Sauvignon Blancs. I don’t believe I’ve ever had a Champagne I didn’t love – too much Champagne is never enough!
What I do when I'm not drinking wine:
We are busily raising our daughter and spending as much family time as possible. Our life is ruled by sleeping and feeding schedules, and I’ve particularly honed my diaper changing skills recently. I also enjoy practicing yoga and meditation, cooking/grilling, and reading.
Wine Certifications:
WSET Level 2 (Intermediate), Passed with Distinction
Court of Master Sommeliers (Introductory Course)