People
What We're Grateful for This Thanksgiving
In addition to great food and wine, Thanksgiving sets the tone for moments of reflection and gratitude; similarly, wine frequently reminds us of all that we have to be grateful for, thanks to the convivial moments and authentic relationships it fosters. In anticipation of Thanksgiving Day, our team members are sharing what they’re most thankful for about working in the wine industry.
“I am always grateful for the wine community. It's a hard industry to be in, considering all that is happening in the world, and experiencing all the camaraderie and sense of community from everyone is amazing. I am also always grateful for the vast amount of opportunities to learn more about wine in general. There are now so many available tools to do so, and it feels really nice to have easy access to them.” – Hugo Arias Sanchez, Lead Sommelier and Brand Ambassador
“I am grateful to be a part of an industry that cares so much about the craft. These days, it feels rare to work with folks who will sacrifice so much to make sure that their creation is as perfect as possible.”– Joey Lamugsa, Product Manager
“I’m grateful for how creative the wine world is. There’s so much room for storytelling, experimentation, and finding new ways to connect people to what’s in their glass. It’s an industry that constantly evolves, and I love that no two days ever feel the same.” – Erika Peterson, Marketing & Acquisition Manager
“Getting the opportunity to help small, independent producers reach new clients, markets, and ultimately sell wine to an audience and community they would never have access to. It's nice to feel like we're doing good in the wine industry, and being a voice for the little guys.” – Joe Pfeifer, E-commerce Director
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“I am grateful that the wine industry allows me to work with a passion-driven community, connecting me directly to great people, nature, culture, and history through every bottle of wine. Working closely with independent wineries allows me to create something that brings people together and enhances life experiences.” – Lauren Magee, Chief Product Officer
“It's rare that a packaged product can have such an incredibly rich origin story, is ever changing well after its final production, and carries with it the chance for an experience that is not easily recreated. I am a person who loves to work for a product in which I have a lot of passion; the wine industry has allowed me the opportunity to share my own experience and passion with a product on a daily basis.” – Paul Sutter, Senior Vice President of Digital Product
“I’m passionate about telling producers’ stories. Connecting with them lets me share their unique backgrounds with wine lovers, which I find deeply rewarding. Delivering these stories in a fresh way has been a grateful experience.” – Crystal Langley, Vice President of Design & Creative
“I'm grateful that, as a sommelier, my job inherently allows me to share my passion with others. I love telling stories about wines, wineries, and grape varieties, and getting people excited to try (and hopefully enjoy) new wines.” – Lindsay Koblitz, Sommelier
“The team to support in the industry will always be our independent wine producers, and I'm grateful I work for an organization that puts a bright spotlight on them.” – Jaiven Smith, Creative Designer
“I’m most grateful to be surrounded by such knowledgeable wine experts on all fronts - sommeliers, winemakers, even those who know logistics backwards and forwards. I work with a very talented group of people who love wine and it shows!” – Lindsey Mericka, Marketing Director at Sommsation
“I love working in the wine industry. I am a firm believer that when it comes to wine, there is always something new to learn and another wine to enjoy. One of the best pieces of advice I have received while working in wine is ‘we are selling wine, not doing brain surgery, so you might as well have fun with it.’” – Maddy Schaeffer, Associate Marketing Manager
“What I’m most grateful for working in wine is that I've had the privilege of visiting some of the most beautiful wineries across California, from Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino to the Central Coast, Paso Robles, Los Olivos and Santa Barbara. Each place has its own soul, its own story, and its own people who make the experience unforgettable. I'm also deeply grateful for the opportunities l've had to travel abroad walking the vineyards of Alsace, exploring the cellars of Champagne, and spending time in Reims surrounded by centuries of tradition and craftsmanship. Those moments will always stay with me—but more than the places, it's the people who make this industry so special. It's a community built on passion, hospitality, creativity, and a shared respect for the craft. At the end of the day, I'm grateful that wine has allowed me to do what I love, with people I admire, in places that inspire me every single day.” – Karl Herzer, Sommelier
From our Sommsation family to yours, we wish you a joyful (and wine-filled) Thanksgiving holiday!
