The Story Behind Jo's Wine Studio

In 2001, after relocating to Atlanta, I found myself searching for work as a software development project manager. When the opportunities I expected didn't materialize, I walked into my favorite neighborhood wine shop and asked if they needed help. 

Two weeks later I was the Assistant Manager.

It turned out to be one of the best decisions I never planned to make.

The store carried more than 1,500 different wine labels, and because most of our sales came from personal recommendations, every day became an opportunity to learn. I spent countless hours tasting wines, talking with customers, meeting distributors, learning from sales representatives, and listening to visiting winemakers share their stories and their craft. 

Those experiences taught me something I've never forgotten: 

Wine isn't about knowing everything. It's about being curious, asking questions, and discovering what you enjoy. 

When the store closed in 2002, life took me in a different direction. I built a successful career in finance and accounting, but my passion for wine never faded. I continued learning, tasting, and dreaming about the day I could return to sharing my love of wine with others.

Today, with the love and support of my husband, that dream has become Jo's Wine Studio. 

I've never considered myself a salesperson. What I discovered was that when you genuinely love something, sharing it comes naturally. I never felt like I was selling wine. I was introducing people to new wines, sharing something I loved, and helping them discover new favorites of their own. 

That's still my philosophy today. Every tasting I host is an opportunity to introduce someone to a wine they may have never tried and help them discover a new favorite in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. 

If you leave one of my tastings having discovered a new favorite wine, learned something new, and shared a memorable experience with people you care about, then I've accomplished exactly what I set out to do.