In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Winkler, a certified Level 2 Sommelier and owner of Winkler & Samuels, a boutique wine and spirits shop offering curated wine classes, a premium wine storage facility, and a passion-driven approach to wine education.
Melissa takes us on a journey from her unexpected start in the wine industry—beginning as a nanny, to discovering her passion at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, and finally building a thriving wine business in Buffalo, NY.
Episode Highlights:
- The challenges of becoming a sommelier and the rigorous certification process
- The pain points of starting and managing a niche winebusiness
- The importance of terroir, how to truly taste wine, and why there’s no wrong way to enjoy it
- How Winkler & Samuels differentiates itself by curating unique, small-batch wines
- The behind-the-scenes reality of running a business with a spouse and balancing work-life demands
- Tips for choosing better quality wines, avoiding headaches, and understanding the difference between Champagne & Prosecco
Want to take your wine knowledge to the next level?
Join Winkler & Samuels’ Wine Club for hand-selected bottles, expert pairing recommendations, and a one-of-a-kind experience delivered to your door!
Find Melissa and Winkler & Samuels:
Visit the Store: 500 Seneca St, Buffalo, NY
Website & Wine Club Info: https://winklerandsamuels.com/
Follow on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/winklerandsamuelswine/
Book a Wine Class:
https://winklerandsamuels.com/collections/wine-class
Visit StaffBuffalo Website: https://staffbuffalo.com/
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