Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/960891
34 / the tasting panel / april 2018 You made the leap from On-Premise Beverage Director at The Marine Room in La Jolla to working in sales for Regal. What was that adjustment like for you? For me, the adjustment was to not be working with a team and guest dynamic in a restaurant. But after an amazing two years, there are parallels within the sales position that are equally, if not more, satisfying than being in a restaurant. In working with such a dynamic portfolio, it's akin to having the perfect wine list to pres- ent to a buyer. What's your proudest professional accomplishment? Taking the Master Sommelier Exam—twice so far. It's my Mount Everest of professional challenges. It takes grit, determination, and humility, and I've always emerged humbler, more inspired, and even more determined. You're one of the founders of the Women's Wine Alliance. Tell us a bit about that organization. After sitting the Advanced Exam, I realized there was a need in the San Diego for an organization that offers mentorship, scholarships, and education at a higher level for women in the wine industry. This was an offshoot of a group called Women in Wine and founded by a leading group of women more than ten years ago. We've stayed true to our mission statement since then, and it's an organization I'm proud to still be an active member of. As part of the SommCon leadership team, you've helped shape education for your peers for the past four years. What are some of the highlights? I'm inspired every year by the community of volunteers who give their time, expertise, and knowledge to set up all the classes. The Riedel [wine glass company] class was one of the most complicated set-ups to date, and when the door closed and the seminar began, that was a moment of pride in how well we all worked as a team to make it come together. Another key highlight is the coming together of sommeliers and wine professionals of every level who are representative of the sheer passion of our industry. It's an honor to be a part of it. The Tasting Panel and The SOMM Journal are proud to serve as the media sponsors of SommCon D.C. (July 22–24) and SommCon San Diego (November 14–16). PHOTO COURTESY OF SOMMCON Advanced Sommelier Lisa Redwine Advanced Sommelier Lisa Redwine of Regal Wine Company. You can cover a lot of ground in five minutes, as Advanced Sommelier Lisa Redwine recently proved when she sat down with us for a Q&A. A Wine Sales Representative for Regal Wine Company in San Diego, Redwine shared her thoughts on striving for the Master Sommelier title, supporting women in the wine business, and more during our speedy yet far-ranging discussion. Lisa Redwine Advanced Sommelier/Court of Master Sommeliers