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JODI OLMEDA, A LOCAL WINE CONNOISSEUR IS BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER ONE GLASS AT A TIME.

For most of us, finding the right wine for a dinner or event can be daunting. Recently while pursuing the wine isle one of our Charlotte PinC staff members found a hidden gem! Her name is Jodi Olmeda. The former English, Spanish and Portuguese teacher who is pursuing a Sommelier certification, is a treasure trove of knowledge about wine.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh PA. she moved to Charlotte in 2009. Olmeda’s passion for wine arose several years ago after she took a job as a server at a wine bar. “I just fell in Love with the journey that wine and food take you on. In a glass you can learn about the time period, the wine-maker, the region and so many other thingsit’s a journey for you taste buds.”

Olmeda focuses on minority, women, and Black-owned businesses and is currently working on creating a network of people that work in the food and beverage field. Like many women of color Olmeda find herself having to prove herself time and again to those who have trouble believing that a Black woman could be as well traveled andknowledgeable about wine as she is.

“I am constantly tested from a lot of people when they’re shopping for wine or when I’m hosting wine events or bourbon tastings but that’s something that I thrive on because I love the challenge.” “I love to host the tastings. I love to give wine education and background spirits education and background because the food and beverage business is so vast and there are so many avenues to explore,” Olmeda said. And educate she does.

Tell Olmeda that you are looking for a Moscato (a staple amongst Black women), she is going. take you on a journey. She will show you and tell you about Moscato, but she is also going to introduce you to Riesling, Gewurztraminer or even Sauternes.

Her goal is to expand your options and your pallet. She is going to help understand which wines pair best with different cheeses, fruits, and different salads.

Olmeda’s passion for the subject of wine and spirits is clear as is her joy in sharing that knowledge and passion. In addition to working on her Sommelier certification, next levelchampagne certification and learning French, Olmeda is busing setting the stage for her own business.

In the latter part of May 2023, she will help launch Somme Reasons Consulting, where she will bringtogether distillers and distributors, local chefs, and other food vendors from whom shewill put together a journey for your tastebuds.