Sommelier and animal lover.
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Michele Gargiulo’s journey through the beverage industry began at the Culinary Institute of America, where a required wine class sparked her passion. Inspired by her professor, Michael Weiss, who described wine as "living poetry," Michele became a tutor for the course while completing her bachelor’s degree in Business Management.
Her professional career launched at Savona on Philadelphia’s Main Line, where she spent four years as a Sommelier, hosting weekly wine tastings and monthly wine dinners. During this time, she also represented Angel’s Envy as a Whiskey Guardian, expanding her expertise in spirits. Michele later joined Steven Starr’s Barclay Prime before taking on a prominent role at the Four Seasons Philadelphia's Jean-Georges, perched atop the iconic Comcast building.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges and opportunities. Michele relocated to South Carolina to manage a restaurant during the Northeast’s lockdown and used this time to author her first book, Pairing Paws: Dog Breeds and Their Spirit Wines. Her second book, How to Build a Wine List, debuted in 2023, with Pairing Paws: Cat Breeds and Their Spirit Wines anticipated for release in summer 2025.
Michele has also served as the Wine & Beverage Director for Fearless Restaurant Group, overseeing the beverage programs of 10 restaurants across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In late 2023, she and her husband launched EnergyDrinkRatings.com, a crowd-sourced rating platform for energy drinks inspired by Vivino’s success in the wine industry.
Now, with her website gaining significant traction and her innovative ideas continuing to advance the beverage industry, Michele is at the forefront of blending creativity and expertise. Currently, she works at the Four Seasons Philadelphia at Jean-Georges while continuing to explore bold new projects that push the boundaries of beverage culture.
You can learn more about her on her personal website: www.michelegargiulo.com
Half of all profits will be donated to shelters and animal rescues in Philadelphia.
