Meet Jennifer Schmitt

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Schmitt.

Hi Jennifer, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I joined Winebow Imports in the fall of 2021 in Miami as the Heritage (European) Division Southeast Fine Wine Specialist after a career in the restaurant industry for just over 20 years. My wine adventure started in a winery tasting room in her hometown of Spokane, Washington. After graduating college, I joined the wine industry full-time as a sommelier in Seattle and began my studies with the International Sommelier Guild and Court of Master Sommeliers.

 Years later, a Floor Sommelier opportunity with Everest, a Michelin-starred French restaurant in Chicago prompted a move to the Midwest. During this time, I passed the Advanced Exam with the Court of Masters and honed my skills for fine service. After 5 years the East Coast was next. I jumped at an opportunity to become the opening Beverage Manager for Miami Beach opening for Upland, a Starr Restaurant Group second location to the established location in New York. I got to help build one of the best wine programs in the Miami area and oversee the full beverage program including the bar program. A few years later the Globally renowned Zuma Group offered me an opportunity to take lead of a team of 6 as Head Sommelier. Here I was able to pursue a newfound love for saké, earning the WSET Level 3 in Saké. I got to travel to Boston to help open the location and train the Sommelier team. Mentoring younger somms is so important and make me so happy to give back where I was given so much over the years.

I resided with Zuma until I decided to switch out of the restaurant world to try my hand at consulting where I worked on a few projects. One of these projects was for a property in Tulum, Mexico. It wasn’t long until a “can’t miss” opportunity presented itself. I joined the incredibly talented Fine Wine Specialist team. In my territory I cover Florida up to North Carolina and get to utilize all that I have learned about selling, educating, and developing events. I work with a fantastic collection of Fine Wine and Spirits. This position continues to challenge me to see education through a new creative lens as my role works on national campaigns and events. Sharing my love of this complex industry has always been at the root of my professional journey.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Moving from city to city was a pretty big challenge. Each move was starting over. This was scary and liberating. Each city has taught me many life lessons and have met so many different people. I have always been a person to depend on myself, and this can be lonely at times. I cherish the friendships that I have collected over the years. I think that is also a part of getting older, we recognize that the people we chose to spend time with should impact us positively. When you work in hospitality you live to enrichen other people’s lives and at times we forget to treat ourselves with the same courtesy.

 Life is about the journey. When I look back I can be proud of all the curves and hills I have climbed, as well as look forward to those ahead.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an Advanced Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers and have worked in fine dining for the majority of my 20y+ year career in the restaurant industry. I love being able to take an intimidating topic like wine and make it digestible and relatable. Put it in terms that make sense people with different backgrounds. The beverage world should be inclusive not filled will snobbery. It makes me so happy to see people light up, or feel comfortable to ask what they think is a silly question. In fact, I have a second Instagram page that I dabble with fun pairings called Sommitup. There you will also catch my cooking skills and love for repurposing leftovers. Someday I’ll finally get that blog launched.  Time management is definitely not my strongest characteristic even as a Virgo.

 We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
I don’t think it’s about having good luck or bad luck. Perseverance through both the good and the bad. I feel I have pushed through my share of bad luck, however I know there are a lot of people out there who have it much worse.

I believe that I have good luck on my side when I chose to look for it and see through a positive lens on life. The choices I have made over the years put me on a few paths less desirable, but I persevered to course correct after acknowledge my mistakes. I consider myself lucky where I am currently in life with Winebow Imports and living in vibrant Miami. I also recognize I put myself on the path of that luck and that makes me grateful.

Contact Info:

• Instagram:@jschmitt009 and @sommitup