Dom Som Wine Education Interview

Kristi is on the ultimate quest to find the best $20 bottle to drink right now. Her successful career in international business development and global sales leadership provided the opportunity to explore wines around the world. Naturally curious and eager to learn she gained a deep knowledge and earned multiple, prestigious wine certifications –– and turned her passion into a vocation. She’s a viticulture junkie and loves to get her hands dirty in her own garden when not touring her favorite wineries or searching for that hidden gem, lesser-known U.S. varietal to serve with dinner.

Charisse is like the Seal Team Six of F&B training and service with more than 20 years on the front lines of highly successful ventures including Hillstone Restaurant Group. During her journey she became highly adept at turning a wine list into cash in her roles as server, trainer and wine buyer. That trial by fire stoked her personal passion for wine and wine education, and led her to attain top wine certifications while kicking ass on her way to top management. Theoretically, if she had spare time, she’d travel and drink great wine while grappling with the mysteries of “mouth feel.”