Erin is a Philadelphia-area native who made Chicago home in 2004. She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Chicago studying Linguistic and Cultural Anthropology with an emphasis on Iberian language and food cultures. In tying her academic and personal interests, she began her wine career in 2007 at Lush Wine & Spirits. Erin moved into fine wine distribution in 2012 with Cream Wine Company where she was a key accounts sales representative as well as Director of Education for nearly 5 years. Her hard work and passion earned her the role of Midwest Market Manager for Olé Imports and Obrigado Vinhos in 2018, where she now proudly represents over 70 winegrowers from every corner of the Iberian peninsula. In addition to her vibrant wine career, Erin is the chair of Next Bites, a nonprofit focused on environmental sustainability in the hospitality industry, as well as a volunteer chef instructor for elementary school students with Pilot Light.
R.I.P. Alan Dikty
March 31, 2026
by Jerald O'Kennard
by Jerald O'Kennard
In Memoriam: Alan Dikty (August 5, 1954 – March 25, 2026) Everyone at Beverage Testing Institute is grieving the loss of our dear colleague, a partner, and friend, Alan Dikty. Since the mid-19...
2026 World Packaging Competition Winners
January 28, 2026
by Jerald O'Kennard
by Jerald O'Kennard
2025 was another tough year for the adult beverage industry. Alcohol sales were down due to the convergence of several “perfect storms” of obstacles on multiple fronts: tariffs and resulting trade...
Forbes Coverage of our 2025 American Single Malt Hall of Fame
December 30, 2025
by Jerald O'Kennard
by Jerald O'Kennard
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