Mary Allison Wright is the owner of RiNo Yacht Club, as well as Wine Director at Morin and Proper Pour, all in Denver, CO. She gives us some insights into Southern Hospitality and takes us to school on a southern institution, Duke's Mayonnaise. Mary reflects on her childhood, her mother and the challenges and upside of her personal war with OCD and anxiety. We get the chance to hear from Sara Bennett, who runs Proper Pour and is the epitome of the humility and dedication of our industry's #UnsungHospitalityHeroes.

Website - RinoYachtClub.com

Facebook - /ProperPour

Instagram - @eatdrinkbemaryandmclain   @rinoyachtclub   @theproperpour   @morin_5280

First job in the industry?

Technically my first job in the industry was volunteering at age 13 at the Creative Discovery Kids' Museum in Chattanooga - specifically at the concession stand so I could be near food (aka pilfered snacks); following that I had my first serving job at age 18, at a diner on the back of Lookout Mountain, GA, called Lucy's.

Proudest moment(s) of your career? 

Opening The Proper Pour and Yacht Club; and as cheesy as this may sound, I burst with pride every time I get to work alongside any of my amazing employees, and watch their passion and growth.

Building the wine list at Morin, and the wine team I am privileged to lead.

Food and/or drinks staples in your house?

All the snacks (I'm big on both fresh and dried fruit, Annie's cheddar bunnies, and breakfast bars); fixin's for quesadillas (quick lunch or a 2-second dinner); sorghum syrup (for both putting into and onto things); Duke's mayonnaise (fight me); anything McLain makes because he's an incredible chef.  Drink staples are seltzer water, wine, bourbon, and some sort of cheap American lager (ie high life or banquet).

Two things most people don't know about you?

I have extreme (sometimes paralyzing) OCD that I'm constantly waging war with; I had a varsity letter in high school as a member of the crew team - but from being a coxswain, not a rower...aka from giving orders and direction (which seems hilarious, especially to those that know me, because I love being in charge).

Words to live by?

Be sweet; also, take no prisoners//burn it down

Originally from Chattanooga, TN, Mary parlayed a love for music and touring with bands, combined with a bachelor's degree in business management, into her first business (with her now husband McLain Hedges) out of college as a music promoter (Dogwood Productions).  However, one theme throughout her life besides music has always been a love for eating and drinking, so in about 2011 she realized her heart may have been with the music, but her soul was being called by her passion for food + beverage.  After several trips to Colorado to promote shows, she realized Denver was not only raw with the youth of its scene, but teeming with opportunities and she wanted to be a part of its growth and shaping the direction it would go. While RiNo Yacht Club, Proper Pour and Morin each has its own identity, a common influence throughout is her Southern hospitality, as well as her passion for introducing natural wine to guests. Mary worships at the altar of Dolly Parton and lives by her motto, “be sweet.” Morin was awarded Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Wine Lists 2019 and Mary was recently named a semifinalist for The Art of Plating Rising Talent Award.