My love for food and wine began when I was eleven, working as a prep cook in my Italian grandfather’s restaurant. That experience led me to spend more than 20 years in the restaurant and hotel business – after earning my BA in marketing and management at age 20.

My love for all things culinary led me to Napa Valley, where I spent a fruitful decade working with one of the matriarchs of Napa Valley, Robin Lail, helping to establish and run her Lail Vineyards brand.

In the meantime, I also launched my own company, Total Innovative Marketing. Our focus is on business development and marketing strategies for established companies like Lail Vineyards, Lail Design Group, Design This, and Cultivate Systems.

In 2008, I joined Melka Wines as their Managing Director. Here, I enjoy working closely with Philippe and Cherie to help grow the market for their passionately crafted wines.