Explore the Q&A below to read his story. Ready to work with Charlie? Connect with your First Bottle Personal Sommelier!
How long have you been working in wine?
I’ve been working in wine since 2015, so around 10 years now.
Tell us a little bit about your experience.
I started my professional journey in kitchens at a young age, followed by a trip to culinary school. Food always captivated me—I love the precision, artistry, and dedication to creating memorable experiences and sharing with others. After years of hard work, I’d climbed the ranks of my local fine dining scene, but there was always something missing for me, and the relentless hours started taking a physical toll. This inspired a spontaneous move to the Mendocino coast of California where I wound up working in the Anderson Valley, slinging bubbles for a well-known estate.
I found my entry into the wine world to be a natural progression. As I sipped the fruits of Bacchus, I realized wine offers its own artistry and storytelling. Trading in my chef’s whites for a corkscrew, I discovered a new passion: sharing the magic of a perfectly paired glass with others.
Tell us about your role at First Bottle.
At First Bottle, I’m a Private Client Specialist, which is basically a fancy way of saying I’m your personal wine concierge. Think of me as your go-to wine guy: I help you explore the world of wine, find hidden gems, and keep your cellar dialed in so that every bottle is the right bottle for you.
What do you love about your role?
Simple: I get to talk about wine all day! Sharing my passion for great wine with people is a pretty sweet gig.
What is the biggest challenge as a Private Client Specialist?
Definitely resisting the urge to buy all of the amazing wines I encounter! On a more serious note, it’s a challenge to curate perfect selections for my clients when there are just so many incredible wines out there. It’s a delicious problem to have.
When do you feel the most pride in your profession?
It’s when I can break down the barriers that sometimes surround the wine world. Wine can often be perceived as pretentious, which can be a real turn-off for people. So when I help someone discover a wine they truly love, seeing their eyes light up is incredibly rewarding. I love making wine approachable and sharing the joy of a great bottle.
Who inspired you to pursue the career you have today?
My wife, 100%. I like to say she taught me everything I know. When I left the culinary world, I had no idea what was next. She’d already been working in wine and knew it would be a perfect fit for me. I wasn’t sold at first, but her passion was infectious, and she saw how my love for food could translate to wine. She gave me the confidence to dive in, and I haven’t looked back since.
What advice would you give someone who is new to the wine industry?
Never forget that wine should be approachable and fun! Taste every wine you can, ask lots of questions, and don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know something.
What is your go-to wine and holy-grail pairing?
Champagne. Always Champagne with everything.
Who or what first introduced you to wine?
It’s funny I didn’t really develop a taste for wine until later in life. As a chef, I was more of a shot-and-a-beer kind of guy! But being around food and wine all the time in the kitchen definitely gave me a decent primer. By the time I actually got interested in wine, I guess I knew more than I thought, sort of like osmosis.
What made you fall in love with wine?
Sparkling wine! Getting to work at Roederer Estate in Anderson Valley was a real treat. Bubbles just make people happy.
What is the coolest wine you have ever gotten to taste?
While cool is subjective, I got to taste a 1959 Château Haut Brion over dinner once. That was pretty special!
If you could open one bottle in the world, what would it be and who would you share it with?
2019 Weingut Keller G-Max Riesling shared with my wife. I think I need to know what that tastes like someday.
Tell us about any favorite wine travel you have experienced.
We took a lovely trip to the Valle de Guadalupe in Baja a few years back. While I expected to find mostly sun-kissed reds, we were thrilled to find some really exquisite sparkling wines served up by Casa de Piedra.
Tell us a little about your family.
I have a loving wife I adore. She also works in the wine industry, and we have two crazy doggos, one of which I think might be part donkey.
What can you be found doing outside of work?
You can find me soaking up the California sunshine, enjoying the beautiful outdoor lifestyle Napa offers while spending time with my loved ones and our furry friends.
How long have you been based in Napa Valley?
We returned to Napa eight years ago from Mendocino, but I grew up in the East Bay Area in Berkeley and Oakland.
What are some of your favorite local spots and restaurants to enjoy?
Goose & Gander in St. Helena is a must—my wife used to be the Somm there, and their burger is my favorite in town. I also love Kitchen Door, Angèle, Charter Oak, and Scala Osteria. For a great cocktail or top-notch lobster roll, The Fink downtown is hard to beat. I’m also excited to try A16, which just opened this year!
Anything else we should know?
My wife won’t let me have a Dachshund.
How do we get started working with you?
The best way to get started is to add my Personal Sommelier service to your cart for $0 when placing your next First Bottle order. You can also send me an email at charles@firstbottlewines.com to connect.
Once you’re part of my Personal Sommelier service, I’ll be able to curate selections specifically for you, reaching out about wines I think you’ll love and placing orders at your request. Cheers to discovering your new favorite bottles together!
