When I decided to set out on my own, I knew I wanted to build something from the ground up—something that reflected my passion, my journey, and my commitment to authenticity. Choosing to put my name on the website wasn’t about vanity; it was about transparency. By putting my name on it, I wanted people to know that what they see is the real me—no pretense, no compromises, and no shortcuts. It’s a promise of honesty and integrity, a commitment to authenticity in everything I do.
From the start, I envisioned a bold and dynamic logo inspired by the black and red color schemes of some of my favorite rock bands. But as I refined my vision, I realized the logo needed to do more than look sharp—it needed to represent who I am and convey my passion for wine to anyone, even at first glance. I’ve always believed that the best way to start your wine education is to get a good wine key and start pulling corks, discovering the stories hidden inside each bottle. So, changing the “T” in my name to reflect a wine opener felt like the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance—a small detail that signifies a deeper meaning to me.
As I looked over the finished logo, it reminded me of a special wine key in my small arsenal of wine-opening devices, a piece that holds great sentimental value to me. At that moment, I knew I had to rethink my color scheme. Instead of the original red and black, I chose “International Orange and Black,” a nod to the iconic hue of the Golden Gate Bridge. Let me explain why…
In San Francisco, the city where the fog rolls in like a gentle whisper over the bay, there’s an icon that stands as a testament to human ambition and connection: the Golden Gate Bridge. For me, it’s more than a breathtaking view or an engineering marvel—it’s a metaphorical symbol of the bridges we all cross in life, each step bringing us closer to who we are meant to become. Every crossing isn’t just about the distance traveled but about bridging the gap between the person I am now and the one I aspire to be. The bridge is also a physical symbol that connects us, to one another.
On my journey of self-improvement and professional growth, moving from Arizona to Northern California wine country, I’ve had the privilege of attending some of San Francisco’s most epic wine tastings. Each of these gatherings felt like stepping onto a new bridge—an opportunity to move forward, to learn, and to connect. The tastings weren’t simply about savoring rare and exquisite bottles; they were about the community shared around the table, the stories each wine held, and the confidence built with every swirl, sniff, and sip. It was a celebration of diversity, where each wine brought its unique history, terroir, and craft, much like the individuals gathered to enjoy them.
At the heart of this journey is a unique tool that I carry—the Laguiole en Aubrac Golden Gate Bridge wine key, crafted from the very steel that once supported the Golden Gate Bridge. For many sommeliers, a wine key is a cherished item, often engraved or made from special material. But for me, this wine opener is more than just a tool; it’s a piece of history and a symbol of individuality. It carries the legacy of resilience and strength, reminding me of the countless dreams and individual stories the bridge has witnessed over the decades. It’s a tangible connection to a city that embraces differences and brings people together.
The steel of the Golden Gate Bridge is forged with the essence of community, resilience, and the courage to be unique. My wine key, created from that same metal, stands as a testament to our shared humanity and the bridges we build to connect us. It’s a reminder that our greatest strength exists in our distinctiveness, and it’s through embracing who we truly are that we create something extraordinary. This wine key isn’t just an heirloom—it’s a symbol of the bridges we cross in my life, carrying with it the spirit of those who came before and the promise of those yet to come.
Each time I use my wine key, I am reminded of the shared experiences and cultures that have enriched my life. It’s a small but powerful symbol of the connection between where I’ve been and where I am going—a celebration of the unique journey each of us travels. It’s about honoring the past while stepping boldly into the future, carrying with us the courage to follow our bliss, be our truest selves, and have the humility to appreciate the differences in others.
Every bottle tells a story, and every story is worth sharing. In the world of wine, as in life, it’s the distinct character of each grape and each vintage that creates something truly special. Our diversity is what makes us strong. So, let us celebrate what makes us unique and the bridges we cross to find common ground. Let’s raise a glass to the connections we make and the communities we build. Together, we are stronger, and it’s our individuality that lights the way forward. Just like the Golden Gate Bridge spans the bay, our own journeys can build bridges that connect us all—to each other, to our shared potential, and to the future we are meant to create.
