The Story

Creating Kylix Wine LLC and my passion for wine are the two basic ingredients in my recipe for a successful career in wine consulting. Kylix Wine is the vision I created with my husband, Justin, from our love of wine, food and travel. The word "kylix" is catchy and unique. A Greek word, meaning wine vessel, kylix became the business name. This business is my dream to connect people with the treasures of wine, food and travel. My goal is to teach, write, host, inspire, advise, research and experience the world of wine.

With an explosive "Cheers!", Kylix Wine LLC was established in 2008.

The story began with a trip to the Steamboat Wine Festival August 2007. A life blended with wine? I read the bios from the list of honored, guest speakers at the festival and found we had something in common, a sacrificial love of wine. I listened and learned.

Then in October of 2007 Justin and I were invited to Bordeaux, France to learn more about wine. We stayed at Chateau Magnol for six unforgettable days and attended the respected Barton & Guestier wine course. I found a real understanding of "terroir" and an appreciation of Bordeaux wines. The French word "terroir", which there is no English equivalent, became alive in my palate and mind. Our mysterious and attractive French wine instructor, Solange, explained the factors that determine terroir; soil, subsoil, climate and micro-climate. Every day starting at 9 o'clock in the morning, she shared her knowledge and passion about French wine with us. In the afternoons, we visited other chateaus and absorbed all things related to wine. It was narcotic. I was heartsick when we left Chateau Magnol, but I could feel my new wine endeavor within reach.

After my return to Fort Collins, I enthusiastically shared my latest, applicable wine knowledge with friends, co-workers and family by creating a heavily French inspired Thanksgiving Wine Pairing List. With great popularity, the wine list was distributed to over 50 interested wine enthusiasts. At this time, Kylix Wine was in it's first fermentation, and Justin encouraged me to listen to my passionate heart and stay focused on the business.

By Spring of 2008, the business started to develop and take on a true identity. My first wine tasting sold out in days, making Kylix Wine ready to bottle and share. May of 2008 I passed the Court of Master Sommelier's Introductory Exam, and I started planning more wine events.

Now I host private wine tastings, teach wine classes (i.e."Matching Wines with Food" for Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Colorado State University), appear as a guest speaker at wine events, write reviews, and enjoy being a resource for wine information in my community. The rewards for doing what you love are limitless. I love the world of wine and want to share it!

Kylix Wine is based in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Contact Kylix Wine for wine tastings, classes, events, pairings, and general questions or recommendations.