Interested in science from youth with a natural proclivity for mixing unusual concoctions (like perfumed toothpaste), Sarah eventually received a degree in Chemistry. Her professional career was focused on pharmaceutical packaging components for injectable drugs. But it was trips to Germany, and wine from Hawaii via husband Galen’s best friend, that collided to inspire Sarah and Galen to leave corporate jobs and acquire the Troxell family double century farm. Sarah’s winemaking mentor, serendipitously also from Germany, Volker Schneider, helped her refine the winery’s style while strengthening her wine chemistry repertoire. Sarah and Volker collaborated on Acidity Management in Must and Wine: “the first exhaustive treatment of the subject in print and the definitive guide to arguably the most delicate operation in the development of a fine wine”.

NY wine critic Lenn Thompson recently described Sarah: “If she were making wine on the West Coast (or even in a place like New York or Virginia) you’d know her name. But, because she and Galen are 90 miles north of Philadelphia in rural Andreas, PA, she flies very much under the radar for all but the most intrepid regional wine geeks.” Galen Glen is twenty-seven years young and Sarah is proud to be entrusted each harvest with translating the story of the growing season and land into wine. When not farming wine, Sarah enjoys drinking wine of course, cooking with Galen as head chef and Sarah as his ‘sous-chef’, and encouraging their three grown children to pursue their aspirations.

https://www.instagram.com/galenglenwine/?hl=en

https://www.galenglen.com/index.html

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@SwirlSuite

www.swirlsuite.com 

Sarita @VineMeUp

Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass

Leslie @Vino301

Glynis @Vino_Noire

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Bronx native, Jermaine Stone, spent his life entrenched in Hip Hop but found an interest in fine wine while packing boxes in the shipping department for Zachys Wine Auction. He later grew to create their global logistics presence while honing his skills as an auctioneer. In 2013 he became one of the founding Directors and Auctioneers for the auction department of LA retail giant Wally’s. Throughout his 17-year career, Jermaine has worked with various clients across all facets of the wine industry, developing his skills in business operations, marketing, brand partnerships, and content creation. Today Jermaine is head of Cru Luv Selections; A New York based creative agency dedicated to blending his knowledge of wine and hip hop culture.

Follow Jermaine:

https://www.instagram.com/realwolfofwine/?hl=en  

https://wineandhiphop.com/

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[email protected]

@SwirlSuite

www.swirlsuite.com 

Sarita @VineMeUp

Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass

Leslie @Vino301

Glynis @Vino_Noire

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We close out 2021 with one of our favs. Rae Mathis.

The topics range from holiday gifts to red flags. The entire episode is live on our YouTube Channel.

Here are a few of the black businesses we mention:

• https://www.instagram.com/mrs_tastebudz/?hl=en
• https://www.instagram.com/blkandbold/?hl=en
• https://www.instagram.com/zeninajar/?hl=en
• https://www.instagram.com/sdesirebrand/?hl=en

Follow Rae:

https://www.instagram.com/vermillionpearl/?hl=en

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[email protected]

@SwirlSuite

www.swirlsuite.com 

Sarita @VineMeUp

Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass

Leslie @Vino301

Glynis @Vino_Noire

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Introducing Mixology and Murder: Cocktails Inspired by Infamous Serial Killers, Cold Cases, Cults, and Other Disturbing True Crime Stories by Kierra Sondereker a new full-color book that adds a twist of true crime to 60 classic cocktails. Accompanied by tales of serial killers, cold cases, cults, and more, you’ll find page-after-page of alarmingly appealing drink recipes.

https://www.amazon.com/Mixology-Murder-Cocktails-Inspired-Disturbing-ebook/dp/B08VJLH81Y

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[email protected]

@SwirlSuite

www.swirlsuite.com 

Sarita @VineMeUp

Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass

Leslie @Vino301

Glynis @Vino_Noire

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Donae Burston is a luxury wine & spirits leader with over 15 years of industry experience.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Donae achieved a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Mathematics from

Clark Atlanta University in 1998. He concurrently completed a second degree in Industrial Engineering from

Georgia Tech before he began his career in the information technology sector, initially consulting on Healthcare

Systems. In 2003, Donae entered the alcohol industry, working on the promotional side of several iconic brands

in the U.S, before joining the luxury group LVMH. During his 10+ years with the company, he worked across

brands such as Dom Perignon, Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart, Moet & Chandon, Belvedere Vodka, and Hennessy

Cognac. While with LVMH, in 2011, Donae created the first-ever luxury champagne bar in a sports arena at

American Airlines Arena during the Miami Heat's championship run. In 2016, Donae became the Regional

Director of the Southeast U.S, Caribbean, and Latin America regions of Armand de Brignac Champagne. He was

responsible for the brand's commercial and marketing goals in each territory.

Throughout his career, Donae found that, in general, the wine industry was not embracing the multicultural

consumer. He wanted to create a quality product inspired by his zest for life and travel that homed in on catering

to the margin that had been overlooked, particularly when it came to rosé. With a commitment to creating an

authentic and exceptional St. Tropez rosé, in the summer of 2019, La Fête du Rosé - a brand that speaks to all

demographics - was born. The name "La Fête" translates to "the rosé party," one that everyone is invited.

Since its debut, the company has donated a portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold programs such as All

Abroad that send underserved & underrepresented youth on unique travel experiences. In June 2020, Burston

announced the $2 of from every bottle sold via its website through August 2020 would be donated to

organizations that fight every day for racial justice and create opportunities for people of color in the wine &

spirits industry. A total of $25,000 was raised and donated to The Roots Fund and other foundations.

Donae splits his time between Miami and Atlanta, where he lives with his fiancée and their 3-year-old son, Noah.

Follow Donae:

https://www.instagram.com/thurstonburstoniii/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/lafeterose/?hl=en

https://shop.lafeterose.com/collections/all

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[email protected]

@SwirlSuite

www.swirlsuite.com 

Sarita @VineMeUp

Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass

Leslie @Vino301

Glynis @Vino_Noire

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CEO of curated virtual events company Virtual With Us & Culture With Us, with more than 15+ years of experience in wine, spirits and luxury hospitality communications. Alexandra is the Founder of Virtual With Us, curated virtual experiences and Culture With Us, the missing link between hybrid, remote and in-person employees with offerings for unique corporate gifting and bespoke hybrid experiences for corporations. 

A WSET level 3 certified wine professional and longtime fine wine and spirits communications specialist, Alex launched Virtual With Us when she saw her husband and his colleagues' need for nurturing and building professional relationships. Virtual With Us is the only virtual events business that's focused on high quality interactive experiences and ultimately relationship building in the workplace--for socialization and interaction with colleagues, so no one feels like they are in a silo. 

Giving voice to diversity and inclusion are at the center of Culture With Us, especially in the digital medium which will be the backbone for vibrant workplace cultures and inclusion in the future--whether it be hybrid virtual onboarding first day meet & greets, office tours, retreats/off-sites and corporate gifting. 

Alexandra is currently studying for the WSET Diploma, and holds a Masters of Public and Organizational Relations from Montclair State University. She serves on the beverage committee for The James Beard Foundation on and on the board of Self Help Africa. Alex lives in New Jersey with her husband and their identical twin boys.

Follow Alex and Culture with Us:

https://www.instagram.com/alexschrec/?hl=en

https://culturewithus.com/

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[email protected]

@SwirlSuite

www.swirlsuite.com 

Sarita @VineMeUp

Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass

Leslie @Vino301

Glynis @Vino_Noire

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Arden Montgomery and Margaux Reaume are the founders of Argaux, the all-women operated and owned online wine shop and educational platform. Argaux brings a modern, accessible approach to shopping for and learning about wines through experience-based kits and sommelier-guided tastings for everyone from beginners to more experienced wine connoisseurs. Arden and Margaux received their Level I and II certifications and launched Argaux in 2015. With a team of all-female, Certified and Advanced, Level III sommeliers and French Wine Scholars (through the Court of Master Sommeliers and The Wine + Spirits Education Trust), Argaux curates an ever-rotating selection of small production, family-owned, and responsibly farmed wines from around the world.

https://argaux.com/

https://www.instagram.com/_argaux_/

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[email protected]

@SwirlSuite

www.swirlsuite.com 

Sarita @VineMeUp

Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass

Leslie @Vino301

Glynis @Vino_Noire

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Shitty Wine Memes is a Florida-based brand that brightens the day of an audience connected to wine. From those just starting out to deep into their wine career, there’s something for everyone. Shitty Wine Memes merchandise is fashionable, fun, and a great gift for that wine nerd in your life! And $1 per pin sold is donated to The Roots Fund. Check out daily wine humor content on Instagram @shittywinememes and the online shop! 

Follow The Swirl Suite:

[email protected]

@SwirlSuite

www.swirlsuite.com 

Sarita @VineMeUp

Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass

Leslie @Vino301

Glynis @Vino_Noire

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Jeryl Cole of @offtherox joins the Swirl Suite this week. Maryland natives, Jeryl & Ty Cole desired a high-end wine and beer shop so they built one in their own neighborhood on the East Side of #Baltimore.

https://www.instagram.com/offtherox/?hl=en

https://shop.offtheroxwine.com/

Collaboration Box

www.vinemeupdc.com/shop-1/p/beadsnbutterbox

Books and Bottles

fb.watch/8tow8Qx-dE/

The Swirl Suite:

@SwirlSuite

www.swirlsuite.com 

Sarita @VineMeUp

Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass

Leslie @Vino301

Glynis @Vino_Noire

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Michael Evans founded The Vines in 2005 in Mendoza, Argentina, which is now expanding to 12 regions around the world. There are currently 17 founding members of The Vines global membership club, in addition to 240 making wine in Mendoza.

For background, fifteen years ago Michael went to Argentina from Los Angeles for what he thought would be a three-week vacation. He fell in love with the people and the place that is Mendoza and decided to embark on this adventure of creating Argentina’s greatest wines. After a chance introduction to Pablo Gimenez Riili during that visit to Mendoza, Michael and Pablo began an endeavor together to provide the highest quality wine experience to Mendoza travelers and help those who love wine to make their own. The result was The Vines of Mendoza. With Pablo, Michael raised money from friends and family and purchased 650 acres of land in the Uco Valley, and created The Vines of Mendoza’s one-of-a-kind Private Vineyards. They've since sold vines to more than 185 owners from around the globe, and the property has expanded to 1,500 acres.

http://www.vinesofmendoza.com/private_vineyard/en/index.html

Collaboration Box

https://www.vinemeupdc.com/shop-1/p/beadsnbutterbox

Books and Bottles

https://fb.watch/8tow8Qx-dE/

The Swirl Suite:

@SwirlSuite

www.swirlsuite.com 

Sarita @VineMeUp

Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass

Leslie @Vino301

Glynis @Vino_Noire

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite.

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