Episode 32 - Emily Gold & Liz Willette Danneels

We have interviewed many people these last two years, but today we turn the mics on each other, in what is possibly our last episode of The Fine Line Podcast! In our continual journey to find balance, we have decided to take a hiatus from the podcast that we love dearly to focus on (paying) work and family. We interview each other about our careers in the wine industry, and how we both find balance in their daily lives. We also talk about what its like to start a business with a dear friend, and how we worked through the hurdles of having very different work methods.

Liz Willette Danneels first developed a love of wine while working for the luxury travel company, Butterfield & Robinson. After a year in Burgundy and five years in Italy, she taught herself about wine mainly by buying the best bottles she could afford, studying them, and, naturally, drinking them.

After running a wine bar in the Dolomites at La Rosa Alpina, she moved to New York City to work for David Bouley, and then for importer/distributor Michael Skurnik. In 2004, she struck out on her own with a small importer, Willette Wines. In 2011, she merged with Grand Cru Selections. Together they grew the company until Liz left in 2017 to move to Colorado with her family. Craving a life outside of Manhattan, she moved to Boulder, where she works with Natural Wine Company.

Emily Gold grew up cooking and drinking wine with her family, always relishing the time together as well as the education. In 2012, Emily eagerly accepted a job with Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant in their office located in Beaune, France. There, she was able to meet winemakers, learn about regions around France and Italy, and become versed on the ins and outs of importing some of the most respected icons in the industry.

In 2014, Emily returned to Boulder to open a restaurant and wine bar called PMG, which offered organic and locally-sourced food, dishes inspired by France and Italy, and organic and biodynamic wines from small family domaines. After six years of being a solo small business owner, Emily sold her business in 2020.

A HUGE THANKS to our sponsors and our producer, Matthew Polis, listed below!!

Matthew Polis, Sounds Space Studios

Boulder Wine Merchant

ECFIT Strength

Suerte Tequila

Haven Boulder

SuperJames Bar

Superbird Cocktail

Hootananny Wines