When did you first become interested in wine? (When was your first taste? How was the experience?)
I first became interested in wine in college. It was much
less harsh than liquor and was nice to complement a meal with. I began with a rosé because it was sweet. I remember feeling very “sophisticated”, even though the wine came from a box.

What brought you into the wine business?
My last name in German means “Jug of Wine.” It wasn’t until I had a full fledge love for wine that I found that out. So, following my heritage, I wanted to figure out a way to pursue what I love.

Do you have a favorite varietal or region?
It depends on my mood. Before I got pregnant, all I drank was reds. It didn’t matter really the type or region of the grape as long as it was a fuller bodied red. But, after I had my beautiful daughter, reds didn’t appeal to me. I craved the buttery flavor of a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. Now that my taste buds have returned, I really love all the different flavors and feel I have a different appreciation for each bottle.

If you don’t order wine at a restaurant or bar, which beverage do you choose?
If I don’t order wine, that probably means I’m at a Mexican restaurant and nothing goes better with Mexican than tequila, so either a Mexican Martini or Margarita.

What's your least favorite drink?
Anything with a black liqourice flavor like Jagermister...

What’s your best wine-drinking memory? What was the occasion?
So many memories with my best girlfriend, Jen. Anytime we get together is a great memory and anytime we’re together there is a bottle of wine involved. We reminece over old times and giggle and even snort like school girls.

In your opinion, which country, other than the U.S., makes the best wine? Why?
I’m partial to Italy. I think it is the Italian philosophy on life (not to sweat the small stuff) which filters into the wine. The grapes taste better I believe because of
that. I’ve also visited Italy and wine is a huge part of Italian life. I love that!

What are your thoughts on recent trends within the industry?
I love that winery’s are leaning to different packing, like twist off tops and boxes. Non-natural corks are also a great innovation. There are so many bottles ruined because of a bad natural cork. When you get a bad bottle, it’s such a waste.

What is the first thing someone learning about wine should know?
Strip away any fears, which will hold you back from the experience. People are scared of pairing, scared to ask questions, scared of what to buy. I believe you need to strip away the pretention of the industry and just enjoy the glass.

What are some of your favorite food and wine pairings?
I believe some wines enhance the flavor of certain foods, however, if you enjoy a certain type of wine, it can go with anything! I used to love Pinot Noir. I paired it with everything I ate and because I enjoyed the wine, it didn’t matter what I ate it with.

Do you think any rules should be adhered to when pairing?
Throw the rule book out! If you experiment and enjoy each sip paired with each bite it’ll be great!

What are some of the benefits of drinking wine?
Where to begin….Studies have shown that red wine drinkers are thinner, have stronger hearts, have less rates of
cancer, smarter and an all together fountain of youth.

What wines should no home be without?
A red and white and sparkling wine/champagne that you love. Depending on your mood or occasion you can open the bottle and enjoy. My husband is a realtor and we began a tradition of popping a bottle of our wedding champagne every time he closed on a house. Sometimes we pop 2 or 3 bottles a week!

Do you have any favorite wine gadgets? Are there any new ones on the market? If so, what are they and where can people get them?
I love my wine opener. It’s a vintage looking rabbit ear type opener. My husband bought it for me for Christmas and it makes opening a bottle super easy. I also love Wine Away. It’s a mini travel kit to remove red wine stains for clothes. It’s only $10, can be found on the internet and for the graceless like myself, it’s a lifesaver!

What are your three best tips, tricks or techniques for wine lovers?
Buy a different bottle every time you go to the store. Try a different brand, varietal or region, until you are confident in certain types you like. Do this every so often, even
when you’re comfortable to mix things up. Your taste buds constantly change.