ABOUT THE CONSULTANT
Grape & Gather was founded by Kristen Lepo in order to share her passion for wine in a meaningful way. She believes wine should be approachable and enjoyable, not intimidating. Her journey began with a simple pairing event for a fundraiser, where she found herself captivated by the process of selecting wines for specific dishes and witnessing guests discover new favorites. This sparked a desire to dive deeper into winemaking and share that knowledge with others.
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Kristen finds excitement in challenging preconceptions about wine. When someone insists they only like a certain type of wine or dislikes a particular variety, she loves introducing them to a wine they never thought they would appreciate. The magic happens when the right wine and dish are paired, elevating both the food and the wine to create a memorable encounter. Her goal is to craft those unforgettable moments.
Approaching wine with a beginner's curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning, Kristen has completed levels 1 - 3 of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses, earning the "WSET Level III" designation. Despite this achievement, she still considers herself a student of wine, always eager to explore different regions, winemaking practices, and flavor profiles.
Rather than adhering to the sometimes snobbish culture surrounding wine, she focuses on helping people find wines they love, regardless of price or prestige. Her approach centers around helping clients discover what they truly savor, with no sales pressure or hidden agendas. She offers a comprehensive service, from wine selection to delivery, and has a keen understanding of the right quantities needed for events of any scale.
With a deep interest in winemaking techniques, Kristen is passionate about learning the factors that influence the taste of wines. While industry trends are intriguing, her primary focus is on what tastes good to the client. She aims to debunk common myths, such as the notion that expensive wine is always better or that certain wines should be avoided based on preconceptions. For Kristen, it’s all about finding the wine that resonates with the individual.
Wine recommendations are offered in a casual, approachable manner, with the option for more formal reviews upon request. Whether exploring the nuances of winemaking, decoding wine labels, or finding the perfect pairing, Kristen is committed to guiding clients on a journey to discover wines they will love.
Kristen Lepo and Grape & Gather strive to make every wine journey delightful, one glass at a time.