ABOUT ME
I'm a genuine wine hype gal and love to help good people achieve great things.
With 20+ years in the game, I've tasted more than 8000 wines, judged a few and poured many more.
I'm a WSET-certified Sommelier, Storyteller, Wine Marketing Wizard, Business Alchemist and former wine bar owner.
Career highlights include opening Budburst, Perth's first neighbourhood bar and launching Tomorrow on Tap, a specialist non-alcoholic drinks retail store.
I believe in transparency, connection and growth and have a knack for forecasting trends.
Whether I'm talking about or tasting wine, I'm curious to know about the people and purpose behind each label.
I travel often, live in Australia and work remotely.
If you'd like to book me for a workshop or speaking gig, get in touch!
TRUFFLE KERFUFFLE
Wine Curator and Host
WA GOOD FOOD GUIDE
Associate Wine Judge
WINE SHOW OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Associate Wine Judge
GOURMET TRAVELLER WINE LIST OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Runner-Up Best New Wine List in Australia
PROJECT
2014 - 2018
My foray into business ownership was Budburst, Perth's first neighbourhood bar and one of the first to sell natural-leaning wines and styles such as orange wine and Pet-nat.
I created the concept and managed the business solo, doing everything from a renovation, brand strategy, government and council regulations, public relations, costings and of course putting a team together.
In addition, I curated my first wine list, which saw my little bar located in the most isolated city in the world, with a tiny budget, named Runner Up for the Tony Hitchins award for Best New Wine List in Australia at the Gourmet Traveller Wine Awards.
PROJECT
2022 - 2023
In 2023 I opened a specialist retail store (bricks and mortar) named Tomorrow on Tap, selling only non-alcoholic beverages and wellness products. I learned a lot and introduced many interesting quality products to consumers wanting a healthier lifestyle, without compromising on taste.
ROLE: WINE JUDGE
2021
Tasting and reviewing hundreds of quality wines from Western Australia with an elite wine panel: Mike Bennie, Erin Larkin, Garry Walsh, Foni Pollitt.
From marketing to wine buying and wine service, I've worked with a range of quality wine venues, wine producers and wine wholesalers in Perth, Sydney, Margaret River, Hobart, Launceston, Jura and London.
These are the pillars that LIGHT ME UP and drive my mission.