Show Notes
In this episode of The Good Stuff presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Andrea Robinson, Master Sommelier, Chef, Television Personality, and Author.
Andrea shares her remarkable journey to becoming one of only 28 women in the world to hold the Master Sommelier title. She was the first woman ever named Best Sommelier in the U.S., currently curates wine for Delta Air Lines, and has earned three James Beard Awards. In 2004, Bon Appétit honored her as Wine and Spirits Professional of the Year.
She opens up about her roots—growing up in North Dakota, Texas, and Southern Indiana—and how her early love for cooking eventually led to an unexpected passion for wine after taking a tasting class while in college. That one class changed everything.
Andrea talks about starting her career in finance after earning economics and business degrees from Southern Methodist University, and how volunteering at a wine school in exchange for classes opened the door to a whole new world. A chance to lead a tasting for Champagne Krug sealed her fate—she left her job at Morgan Stanley the next day to follow her calling.
She also recounts her solo six-month journey across Europe, where she immersed herself in wine culture before landing a role at the iconic Windows on the World in New York City. Mentored by wine legend Kevin Zraly, Andrea became the restaurant’s first female cellar master and eventually earned her Master Sommelier diploma. She even competed in the World Championship of Sommeliers.
Andrea shares insights into writing four bestselling wine and food books, including the award-winning Everyday Dining with Wine, and how she created her own stemware line, The ONE, designed to enhance any wine with just one universal shape.
She discusses the launch of her video wine course at andreawine.com, where she continues to educate thousands of wine lovers each month. Andrea also opens up about building beverage programs for top hospitality brands—from cruise lines to hotel groups—and her passion for teaching both professionals and everyday wine drinkers.
Andrea reflects on her television work, having hosted over 100 episodes for Scripps Networks, including Quench on Food Network and Pairings with Andrea on Fine Living. Named a Working Mother of the Year, she’s also been featured by People, Glamour, NBC’s Today Show, CBS This Morning, and The New York Times.
And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks!
