Today we’d like to introduce you to Maxine Lee.
Maxine, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Since I was a kid, I always had an interest in wine so after college I began to work at a wine shop. While working there, the sommelier took me under his wing and helped shape my wine palate. Additionally, I begin exploring careers and certifications within the industry which led me to the role of Wine Buyer at Whole Foods Market and earning my Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) credential.
Although I took a break from the wine industry, the wine bug was still biting resulting in me launching Monday Wine Q&A on my Youtube channel: Drink Good, Live Well. Each week, I educate my audience on wine fundamentals and the value of enjoying fine wine.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Definitely not! I did not pass the CSW exam on my first attempt and I left the industry for four years to pursue other career aspirations. Despite these transitions, I always utilized my passion for wine in some capacity of my life.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Drink Good, Live Well – what should we know?
I am the host and creator of Monday Wine Q&A. I specialize in exposing and educating my audience on fine wine. I am most proud of me taking the leap back into wine because I didn’t think I would return and it has been a great return! What sets me apart is that I choose to identify as a “tastemaker” compared to a wine educator. I celebrate the enjoyment of fine wine and explain to my audience about what sets these wines apart along with providing wine knowledge.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
The first wine shop I worked at there was a sommelier by the name George Gore that exposed me to the world of wine. When I started there, I only drank inexpensive sweet wines and the only dry wine I could drink was Champagne. However with his guidance, my palate evolved to enjoying robust dry wines along with appreciating the qualities of sweeter style wines.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.drinkgoodlivewell.com
- Email: maxine@drinkgoodlivewell.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkgoodwithmax/
- Other: YouTube.com/c/DrinkGoodLiveWell
Image Credit:
Spencer Humphrey
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
