Finding passion in what you do, makes your world a whole lot happier.
Meet Lourdes! She’s my new idol.When it comes to wine, this lady knows her stuff. Lourdes is experienced and knowledgeable and loves her wine. Her palette is pretty refined and she can talk you in, around and through the best bottles, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are expensive.
I asked her how she started her business. She responded with a giggle and then replied “ by accident, actually”
She got her start studying French language and literature at the University of Maryland, then she set off to France to study, that’s when she knew. Coming back when the recession was in full swing, she happened to come upon employment at Madame Claude’s Bistro in Jersey City. They offered some favorite wines, she began to get more excited and influenced by owners Alice Troietto and Mattias Gustafsson. (She refers to them as her mother and father of wine). Madame Claude Wines opened in 2010 as one of the first “wine boutiques” and they loved to share wines and educate their customers.
She worked, and managed the specialty wine shop while she started her training at the International Wine Center in NYC. She spent the next 4-5 years educating her way through the beginner, advanced level and she’s now a Level 3 Certified Wine & Spirits specialist through WSET.