We've spent decades cultivating relationships with under-the-radar winemakers and iconic producers who define the art of wine. Our personal connections unlock access to the most out-of-reach wines from first growth Bordeaux estates to Napa cult icons with an array of rare treasures and new discoveries in between.
Collectively, we taste over 20,000 wines a year and offer only those that exceed the expectations defined by their price. Our top recommendations are offered through a daily email, supported by a selection of singular wines that are featured in our online store.
The world’s best wines are made in limited quantities. Finding them is the hard part.
That's what we do.
Head of Wine
Vanessa was head of sales and marketing for several of Napa’s most prestigious estates including Arietta Wines, Dana Estates, and Realm Cellars. Previously, she was a retail buyer and wine bar wine director in New York. She’s President of the Board for the Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch, holds the WSET Diploma, and was the recipient of the Niki Singer Memorial Scholarship from the International Wine Center. Vanessa became the 52nd MW in the United States in February of 2020.
Master Sommelier
Sur is the 14th Krug Cup recipient, passing all three sections of the Master Sommelier exam on his first attempt. Previously National Director for Wine Education at Jackson Family Wines, he has been wine director or sommelier at restaurants such as The French Laundry, The Little Nell, Cyrus, Meadowood, and Daniel Boulud. In 2011, Wine & Spirits Magazine named Sur one of the Country's Top New Sommeliers.
Wine Judge and Sommelier
Eduardo served as Corporate Beverage Director for the Global Morimoto Group and has worked at some of Napa Valley’s most iconic restaurants including Tra Vigne and Bistro Don Giovanni. He is a professional Wine, Sake, and Spirits Judge for many competitions in the US and Japan and writes for both the Napa Valley Register and Decanter Magazine. He is an Advanced Sommelier Candidate and is also a Certified Sake Professional.
Advanced Sommelier
Laura is an in-demand Napa Valley sommelier who spearheaded the wine program for Top Chef Michael Chiarello’s restaurant group and worked as sommelier for Iron Chef Morimoto and TORC’s Sean and Cynthia O’Toole. She honed her palate at the Culinary Institute of America and alongside Karen MacNeil while writing The Wine Bible’s second edition. Currently, she holds an Advanced Sommelier title from the Court of Master Sommeliers, and is preparing for the Master Sommelier exam.
Master of Wine Candidate
Robert Emery holds the Diploma from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, and is a student with the Institute of Masters of Wine, having passed the Theory portion of the MW exams. He was most recently General Manager for a winery in Napa Valley and previously a Manager for Total Wine & More. Robert has also traveled extensively in over seven countries in pursuit of a greater understanding of wine, judging numerous wine competitions throughout his career.
Head Writer
Pete is a Certified Sommelier whose column “Wine in Common” ran in the Nashville Scene from 2015 to 2018. He was a fellow at the 2017 Symposium for Professional Wine Writers at Meadowood Napa Valley, and has an MFA in creative writing from Oregon State University. He lives with his family in the south Willamette Valley.
Sommelier and Managing Editor
Laura is a Certified Sommelier whose work has been featured in Christie’s International Real Estate Magazine, Vinepair, The Kitchn, Huffington Post, Rachel Ray Magazine, and Real Simple. She has worked in the cellars in Portugal, managed a retail shop in New York City, and worked as a sommelier aboard a private sailboat. Laura now lives on a vineyard in California’s Sierra Foothills where she dabbles in winemaking.
Join us as we travel the winding roads and sloping landscapes of a truly global wine country. As we gain access to coveted cellars from Bordeaux to Napa Valley, as we discover hidden gems from Italy and Oregon, so do you. Experience the vineyards, crush pads, and caves where your favorite bottles are crafted. Hear the winemaker’s story, and learn the particulars that make every bottle more memorable.
