Meet Elle Rodriguez of The Modern Pour

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elle Rodriguez.

Elle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I honestly fell into Wine. I am Latina (Mexican-American) and no I didn’t come from a “wine was always in the house” scenario growing up. It was more there was beer in the fridge daily and tequila and beer for gatherings. I’m Mexican, so there were always gatherings haha! First and foremost, one of the reasons The Modern Pour was started was because I saw that it’s my people (mostly Hispanic and Spanish) that take it from the Earth to the Winemaker and there was such a void from the Winemaker to the glass that I am trying to fill. I thought it would be cool to see a Latina female giving wine reviews and suggestions. I had yet to see anyone like me in wine, talk about wine, drink wine, go to wine class- the Latino presence wasn’t involved.

As I got older, I traveled and learned more about different cultures and places, Wine was always in the mix. I began drinking it more and my palate became more specific. My cousin Andrea was a Social Media Mgr and I was talking to her about wanting to start a Wine class (WSET). She suggested I start a wine blog and online presence. She made me see that other people would be interested in it. It was her idea and I came up with the name, She ran all my social media in the beginning and taught me how to do so much! Without her, honestly there would not be The Modern Pour. (Thank You Baby Millennial Cousin!) We then saw there was a bigger picture in the Wine game.

I began reviewing and photographing Trader Joe Wines. (There are still some gems I drink and recommend from TJ’s) I felt they were accessible to everyone and at great prices. I started gaining a following (Love the Wine Community on IG) and then the Winery invitations came, then the sponsors and partnerships grew and that’s where I’m at today!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The Road has not been smooth. LOL. Where do I start?! There are so many levels of this. First off, I’m a female, and as we know, Females are often unrecognized in this mostly male-dominated industry, even though women are the biggest consumers of wine worldwide. Wine used to be made and reviewed and spoken about by men only. Look at the stats even for how many Master of Sommeliers there are… 165. 139 are Men and only 26 are Women. This is changing and I’m very happy to be part of this change.

Second, I’m Latina. I am very happy to know that I am bringing awareness to the Latino community. Wine is super intimidating as is, so I want someone to see what I’m drinking and they feel comfortable to drink it too. (Hey she’s like me and she’s drinking this, I might want to try it too!) So having people take my recommendations is one of my favorite parts. I get sent so many dm’s and pics of people taking my recs and I always add them to my IG stories!

The Wine Bullies are lame too. You know the ones that can only drink Cru and all the expensive wines. Omg, I have so many wine snobs who DM on the daily trying to call me out for something I drink. I think that’s why people relate and like my platform, because I am what I am and I drink what I like. I’m not trying to be in the Snobby Wine Club.

The Modern Pour – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I specialize in making Wine Approachable and “Elle”vating (see what I did there) your Wine Experience by Wine Marketing, reviews, photography and blogging.

I’m different because my experience is drinking Wine in the City. My pictures and IG reflect that. I am always spotlighting Los Angeles. I always think the Wine is the main character and the city is her supporting character. I love Los Angeles and its a beautiful city, so I try to merge the two together.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Ooo, you know I’m still defining this myself. Ask me again in 3 months…

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @themodernpour

Image Credit:
Elle Rodriguez/The Modern Pour

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