Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Belardinelli.
Hi Julie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I was 24 years old when I had my first sip of real wine (other than those terrible Bartle and Jaymes wine coolers we drank back in college – remember those?). I was working at Citibank, and my boss ordered a beautiful red wine at a business dinner we were at. I took a sip and was surprised by how complex and flavorful it was. I could taste the fruit, the earth, and the tannins. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.
I asked him about the wine, and he told me about the different grapes that were used, the region where it was made, and the aging process. I was fascinated by all of this, and I wanted to learn more about wine. I started reading books about wine, and I would often go to the library to check out wine magazines. I would also watch wine documentaries and TV shows. The more I learned about wine, the more I wanted to discover and unearth. During the early 2000s, while I was staying home raising my three children, I had the opportunity to take the immersion course at the International Wine Center in Manhattan to earn my WSET Level 2 certificate in wines and spirits (the WSET provides globally recognized education and qualifications in wines/spirits).
We were able to taste many wine varietals from all over the world and learn all about them, the winemaking practices, labeling laws, classifications, etc. – there is so much you can learn about wine – we were just touching on a fraction of it. This fueled my passion for wine, which has only grown stronger over the years. I went back to take another immersion course for my WSET Level 3 certification in 2008. I now have a collection of close to 1000 wines, and I enjoy learning about new wines and regions, appreciate traveling to various wine regions, and love to go to local wine tastings. As a certified personal wine concierge, I love sharing my knowledge of wine with others.
When my kids were old enough for me to go back to work – I obtained a position selling wine for 2 small Italian distributors – selling wine to local retailers and restaurants. I first met Jean-Charles Boisset in 2014 at a wine-tasting event in Westchester, NY. I was immediately struck by his passion for wine and his enthusiasm for sharing it with others. He is a gifted communicator, and he has a way of making wine come alive. Jean-Charles was born into the world of wine, and he comes from a long line of winemakers from Burgundy, France. He has a deep understanding of the region, its wines, and its magic. I am inspired by Jean-Charles’s passion for wine and his commitment to quality.
He is a true ambassador for the wine world, a visionary leader and innovator, and he makes it an intoxicating and fascinating place to be. It was that meeting, back in 2014, that prompted me to become a Wine Ambassador with The Boisset Collection. I am thankful to Jean-Charles Boisset for sharing his passion for wine with me. He has made my world, and the world of wine, a more exciting and intriguing place to be. I am grateful for that first sip of wine back in 1990 – It opened up a whole new world for me, and I am excited to be working in wine and to continue exploring it.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Building your own business as an independent contractor is never a smooth road. There are always going to be some curveballs thrown your way. Here are a few obstacles and challenges of working as a wine ambassador for the Boisset Collection that I have encountered:
• Building relationships with wine enthusiasts and corporations. This can be a challenge, as wine connoisseurs and corporate buyers are often very busy and have many different wines to consider. It takes time and effort to build relationships and earn their trust.
• Staying up-to-date on the latest wine trends. The wine industry is constantly changing, so it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends to effectively represent the Boisset Collection. This means attending wine tastings, reading wine magazines and blogs, taking wine courses, and attending weekly ambassador meetings.
• Communicating the unique value proposition of the Boisset Collection. The Boisset Collection is a large and diverse group of wineries, each with its own unique story to tell. It is important to be able to communicate the unique value proposition of each winery to wine buyers and corporations.
• Dealing with rejection. Not everyone will be interested in the Boisset Collection, and you will inevitably face rejection. It is important to learn to handle rejection gracefully and move on to the next opportunity.
Despite these challenges, working as a wine ambassador for the Boisset Collection is a very rewarding experience. Having a positive attitude helps me stay motivated, and being persistent and enthusiastic helps me build relationships and connect with people on a personal level.
We’ve been impressed with JAB Wine Ventures with The Boisset Collection, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Boisset Collection is a family-owned collection of historic and unique wineries from France and California. We have more than 30 historical and prestigious wineries and tasting salons in the world’s preeminent regions, including the Côte d’Or, Beaujolais, Rhône Valley, California’s Russian River Valley, and the Napa Valley – each house retains its unique history, identity, and style, and all are united in the pursuit of fine wines expressive of their terroir.
The Boisset Collection is known for its commitment to quality and sustainability. The Boisset Ambassador Program is a program that allows wine lovers to share their passion for wine with others. Ambassadors have access to a portfolio of over 150 allocated wines from Boisset Collection wineries. As your personal wine concierge, I bring the winery tasting room into your homes, offices, special events, and virtually. I bring you unique access to small-lot, limited-reserve wines. We also have wine club memberships, custom-label and etched bottles, and luxury wine-inspired gifts. I share exclusive new releases, the stories behind the wines and the vineyards, and the passion and knowledge to guide you to wines best suited for your palate.
I have been with the company for almost nine years now and have enjoyed every single moment of it. I love connecting and sharing with other wine enthusiasts and building relationships with my clients (who always become friends). I have always been one of the top salespeople in the program and have earned the luxury sales incentive trip to France many times. It is hard work but you get out of it what you put into it, and it’s a very rewarding experience. It is truly a great opportunity that Jean-Charles Boisset has created.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
As an independent wine ambassador, I believe that the most important quality or characteristic is a passion for wine.
If you are not passionate about wine, it will be difficult to connect with people and share your knowledge and enthusiasm. Additionally, communicating effectively and building relationships is very important, and working independently. The key to my success is that I am self-motivated and willing to work hard to achieve my goals.
Patience and persistence are also strengths I have, as it takes time to build a successful wine business. My motto: Never give up if you don’t see results immediately – keep on moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://my.boissetcollection.com/jabwineventures
- Instagram: @jabwineventures
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jabwineventures
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-belardinelli-54b14141
