Sommelier SPOTLIGHT

Every wine has a story. And so does every wine lover. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination to experience wine in a new way, look no further than Brookhaven. A wine lover’s paradise, local sommeliers can attest to the city’s thriving culture du vin.

Whether you prefer vintage wines or fresh blends, Bethany Taylor of Brookhaven Wines and Daniel Campbell at The Ashford both agree Brookhaven is Atlanta’s best-kept secret when it comes to wining and dining.

Though Taylor was set to follow a very different career path, wine drew her in. “I started my career in Marketing/PR, and it wasn't very exciting. I liked learning about wines as a hobby. I enjoyed my marketing/public speaking/communications skillset and pitched myself as a part-time associate at a wine boutique in Kirkwood,” she explains. The rest, as they say, is history. Now an L1 and L2-certified sommelier, Taylor’s passion and comprehensive wine knowledge set her apart. The intense studying, research, and hard work required to get where she is today make her an invaluable resource.

Brookhaven has been the perfect place to thrive, Taylor says. “You know the show Cheers? It's like that at Brookhaven Wines on a Friday night. We're not a bar. Brookhaven Wines is a welcoming environment. Whether you're a specialty collector or someone looking for an enjoyable bottle of wine for $15, we want to build a relationship with you.”

A big part of Taylor’s job is building the wine community. When she’s not busy recommending wines and turning customers into regulars, she’s organizing group trips to vineyards across the globe. “Trips are unique for a wine shop. We're kind of part-time travel agents for wine tourism,” she laughs. Good news spreads fast: every Brookhaven Wines trip has been sold out.

The crew is planning trips to Santa Barbara, Burgundy, and the Loire Valley, with many more destinations to come. (Protip: to get on the insider’s list, stop by the shop and ask for Bethany or Jeff to put you on the trip list. And if you miss out, ask the staff to help plan a custom trip, with or without Brookhaven Wines staff.)

Daniel Campbell of The Ashford also cultivated his love for wine in Brookhaven. The Ashford, known for its internationallyaccented menu, serves up a fair share of local and global favorites. “It’s better to have a knowledge of the wider world of drinks,” Campbell explains, which is why he incorporates seasonal cocktails and a wine list spanning the globe from France to California.

“I started my career in restaurants in 2011 to have money through college, then moved to Atlanta in 2014 and started working at POUR [the restaurant concept before The Ashford] and got into management there,” he explains. “That's where I kicked off my career and decided I wanted to do this forever. I enjoy talking to people and taking care of our guests.”

The Ashford is one of several spots transforming Brookhaven into a wine-lover’s paradise. “There are a lot of really great restaurants. Dresden Drive specifically offers great neighborhood restaurants with great wine lists in less than a half-mile radius: Haven, Valenza, Arnette's, us at The Ashford, going all the way up to Terra Terroir,” Campbell notes.

If you want to purchase a bottle of wine, he recommends shopping locally. “Brookhaven Wines is fantastic, and I recommend them because they really are steps above a chain,” he adds.

What Campbell loves most about wine is the story it tells. “Wine is a great journey,” he explains. “You can always learn something new about it and about what you like. There are so many different varietals and regions, and compounded with the human palate, which changes throughout your life. Wine is something you can always go back to.”

When it comes to finding your perfect wine, he says, persistence is key. “My advice is to keep trying wines until you find something you like. Second bit of advice is that it's much easier to try new wine when you're eating food.” Fortunately, Brookhaven has great options for restaurants with delicious menus as well as robust wine lists. “Sometimes food makes wine better, sometimes wine makes food better,” says Campbell, so if you want to broaden your palate, get adventurous! “Try making a fun dinner and pairing it with a specific wine you've wanted to try. Save a glass and try the wine another day. Keep trying wine; you're going to find something somewhere.”

Whether you prefer reds or whites, still or sparkling, Brookhaven has a glass to suit your fancy. Pop and pour your sommelier’s favorite recommendations or try a completely new taste adventure. Brookhaven’s local experts are always ready to share the love.

Enjoy FREE tastings on Fridays and Saturdays at Brookhaven Wines and Saturdays at Kathleen's Catch. Sign up for the Brookhaven Wines newsletter for seated events, trips, and collaborations with local restaurants!

Follow The Ashford, PURE Brookhaven, Haven and Arnette's Chop Shop for seated dinner and libation pairing events.