The SOMM Journal

August / September 2015

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82 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 { entrepreneuring } S ohm is not alone in his empire- building. Laura Maniec, MS, had also cultivated an illustrious career before heading out on her own. Only a few years after studying at the Windows on the World Wine School in 2001, Maniec was at the helm of Blue Fin's wine program, capturing the attention of her bosses and eventually taking over management for all of the BR Guest wine programs. But success in beverage man- agement wasn't enough to keep her there for the long haul. Instead, she saw a void in the market for a venue where guests could learn about wine while enjoying food. Consequently, Maniec left the corporate world to create Corkbuzz Wine Studio in 2011. Maniec has also eschewed the narrow concept of fine dining, preferring to use the living room metaphor as well. Additionally, she emphasizes education and is changing the way that wine is sold. In particular, she has become known for her Champagne Campaign, during which bottles of Champagne are offered at half price after 10:00 p.m. and during Sunday brunch. Despite the discounted bubbles, the Champagne aficionado earned a profit in her first year and capitalized on her win in 2014 with a second Corkbuzz location in New York. Maniec was deep in the throes of opening a third in Charlotte, NC this past June. L ike her colleagues, Virginia Philip, MS built a covetable career with The Breakers Palm Beach, prior to pursuing her own project. At The Breakers, Philip is responsible for a total of 14 wine lists. However, despite the opportunity to oversee a prized selection of 1,600 wines and working with a French team to develop The Breakers' house wine, Philip's desire to share wine more intimately wasn't being fulfilled. Accordingly, the Johnson & Wales grad decided to realize her 20-year dream of opening a unique retail store. Originally slated to open as Liquid Taste, Philip was strongly urged to put her name on the door, in recognition of her value as a brand. Ultimately, she agreed, and Virginia Philip Wine Shop & Academy debuted in 2011. At the 450-bottle shop, Philip teaches public classes and serves as a mentor to local indus- try members, while maintaining her position at the hotel, located a short distance away. Virginia Philip, MS at The Breakers Palm Beach. Laura Maniec, MS created Corkbuzz Wine Studio in 2011. PHOTO: LILA OF LILA PHOTO PHOTO: FORGOTTEN MAN FILMS

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