The Wine CEO Podcast Episode 29: Real Life of a Beverage Director with Ariel Bruckner

Have you ever wondered what Sommeliers do? What jobs are out there for sommeliers and what does a day in the life look like? In episode 29, I chat with my friend and fellow Certified Sommelier Ariel Bruckner. Ariel has been in the beverage industry for over a decade and has been beverage director for a major Orlando resort with over 17 restaurants and a large convention business. We chat about what it's like to be a female in the industry, how she became a beverage director, and what she drinks regularly!

We also discussed the right questions to ask when ordering wine in a restaurant and how to properly send a bottle back. It's an episode that you don't want to miss, so be sure to hit play now to start listening!

Ariel is also co-founder of Wash and Wik, an amazing candle and soap company in Orlando, Florida. They make incredible candles, including a few wine scented. Where else can you find a wine scented candle that has been mixed and approved by a certified sommelier?! Wash and Wik is actually the sponsor of today's show and for The Wine CEO Podcast listeners, Wash and Wik has offered a 20% discount when you use the code THEWINECEO at checkout! Be sure to check them out at washandwik.com

Sponsor: Washandwik.com

Discount Code for 20% off: THEWINECEO

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Show Notes

While recording the show, Ariel and I were drinking Campo Viejo Rosé Cava (around $10 at most grocery stores - sommeliers don't drink fancy wine every night! I promise we're regular people too!)

Ariel & I discussed ordering aged wines and how they can taste different from fresh, young wines. For more information on proper aging and how a few years can affect a wine, be sure to check out The Wine CEO Podcast Episode #12, "Is Age Just a Number?".

Ariel's go-to wines:

1. Joel Gott: This family of wines tends to range from $12-$20 at most grocery stores. Despite the inexpensive price tag, these wines are really consistent and a perfect pick for a mid week bottle!

2. Chalk Hill: These wines have a large price range with bottles anywhere from $15-$55, but all of them are consistently delicious.