Rachel Grossmann - Cincinnati Sales
FIRST VINTAGE WITH CUTTING EDGE?
2023
WHAT EXPERIENCE DID YOU HAVE IN THE WHY INDUSTRY AND HOW DOES THIS SET YOU UP FOR SUCCESS AT CUTTING EDGE?
I spent six years working in the restaurant industry. Those valuable work experiences have taught me so much about not only how that industry works, but also how to work as a team member, and how to communicate and relate well with colleagues, customers and managers. Those real-life work experiences have truly been more beneficial to my understanding of how to be successful in the wine industry than earning my Batchelor’s degree from college!
WHAT WAS YOUR Go-To hobby during the covid lockdowns?
I love to work out at the gym, but when Covid made that impossible, I visited a lot of Cincinnati parks for walks and to get fresh air. However, I must admit to turning into somewhat of a “couch potato” much of the time! I watched the entire tv series of The Sopranos, rewatched Friends episodes for the millionth time, and also took in lots of murder documentaries and murder podcasts.
WHAT was your “lightbulb” WINE EXPERIENCE?
My very first light bulb wine experience happened during my first year working in the wine industry. The company I was with held a blind taste-testing in which we tasted 5 different California Cabernets from the same region, all with widely different price points. The result of the blind tasting was that every person participating had voted for the $24.99 California cabernet, rather than for the wine right next to it, which was a California cabernet priced at $99.99. I learned a memorable lesson first hand that price does not necessarily correlate to quality, a very interesting and mind opening realization which certainly challenged assumptions I had held.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WINE AND FOOD PAIRING?
I gravitate towards bubbly types (champagne or prosecco) or red wine (cabernet or red blend) with any/all pasta dishes and great charcuterie boards.
WHAT do you enjoy most about your job?
What I enjoy most about my job is that often it really doesn’t feel like a job. This is a very relationship driven industry and I really cherish all the people and relationships I have built over my years within the industry. A bonus is that I often find myself in a situation in which I am enjoying great wine and conversation with colleagues and buyers I enjoy spending time with.
WHAT is your ideal way to spend a day off?
My ideal day off is to be spent with my family, doing a fun activity or just relaxing.