From Sommelier to Senior VP: Laura DePasquale MS on Building a Career in Wine

In this episode of the Vint Podcast, hosts Brady Weller and Billy Galanko are joined by Laura DePasquale, Master Sommelier and Senior VP of Artisanal Wines at Southern Glazer Wine and Spirits. With over two decades in the wine industry, Laura shares her insights on navigating a path from sommelier to senior executive. Her career, which began on the floor of restaurants, soon took her into the distribution side, where she quickly became known for her business acumen and expertise in fine wine. Laura recounts her journey through the Court of Master Sommeliers, a process that included years of rigorous study, challenges as a female in a male-dominated field, and eventually earning her Master Sommelier title in 2004.

As VP at Southern Glazer, Laura has pioneered the creation of the company’s Artisanal Wine Division, defining fine wine in a way that goes beyond price to focus on terroir, legacy, and production scale. She shares how her work has shifted perceptions of “fine wine” within the industry, prioritizing wines that speak to unique family stories and sustainable practices. Laura also opens up about the importance of mentorship and legacy, explaining how she’s dedicated to paving the way for future wine professionals by fostering a culture of inclusivity, knowledge, and respect for craftsmanship.


Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Vint Podcast
00:32 Coravin Giveaway Announcement
01:05 YouTube Content and Future Plans
04:22 Hospice de Beaune Insights
07:12 Introducing Laura DePasquale
10:24 Laura's Journey in the Wine Industry
16:38 Building the Artisanal Wine Division
30:31 Starting a Wine Distribution Business
32:50 Improving Wine Handling and Storage
33:26 Customer Feedback and Strategy
35:10 Family-Owned Business Dynamics
35:44 Trends and Changes in the Wine Industry
36:07 Breaking Barriers as a Female Sommelier
45:43 Navigating Career and Personal Life
53:26 Future Plans and Legacy

The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com.

Cheers!