Welcome to Voices and Episode 2490 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Cynthia Chaplin interviews Leslie Frelow of The Wine Concierge.

More about the guest:

Following her passion, Leslie Frelow launched her wine focused business, Vino 301 Wine Concierge, in January 2013. Sparked by a pandemic pivot and a social justice awakening after the murder of George Floyd in 2020, Leslie recognized the extreme underrepresentation of Black professionals in wine—less than 1%—and took bold action. She launched The Wine Concierge to create a curated platform highlighting wines by Black, women, and minority winemakers who are often excluded from national distribution channels. Rather than rely on traditional supply chains, The Wine Concierge built an independent sourcing system—researching winemakers through personal networks, online forums, and professional directories. Its approach enables The Wine Concierge to bypass conventional barriers and support small-batch producers directly, despite the logistical and financial challenges they face. Additionally, Leslie is a strong advocate for enhancing business literacy among winemakers. 

Leslie holds a Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits (WSET). Encouraged and inspired by her industry peers, she has had the honor of participating as a judge in regional wine competitions, which included the 2019 Maryland’s Governor’s Cup and Maryland’s Comptroller’s Cup. She is a recent member of Les Dames d’Escoffier, Washington, D.C. Regional Chapter, co-chair of the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce Women’s Networking Committee, and a recent board member of Experience Prince George’s County tourism board. 

Connect:

Website: https://thewineconcierge.co/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewineconciergeclub/ 

More about our host: 

VIA certified Italian Wine Ambassador and sommelier with FIS, Cynthia Chaplin is a professor of Italian Wine and Culture, with 20 years experience in the wine industry. Cynthia is a certified wine educator, author, international judge, and content creator. She designs and presents events for embassies, corporate and private clients, develops Italian wine collections for restaurants and private clients and works with Italian wineries to train their sales and export staff.

Hosting Voices has increased her commitment to DEI in the wine sector, interviewing emerging and established wine professionals and discussing topics such as inclusivity, equity, language, sustainability and challenges facing under-represented groups and cultures as they move into careers in wine. As a certified WSET Educator, Cynthia is passionate about developing wine education for a future that will have a place at the table for anyone interested in wine.

Connect:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Italian-Wines-in-English/100036868372598/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiss_my_glassx/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-

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Until next time, Cin Cin!