| Name: Erin Baulderstone, Global Social Media & Content Manager at RIEDEL. |
| How long have you been in the wine industry? I started working in an admin role at RIEDEL in 2009, which was supposed to give me the experience to step into a completely different industry. 12 years later, I’m now working in a brand new global role for the brand, writing content for the world from my home office in Sydney, Australia. |
| What is the most memorable moment you have experienced during your wine journey? There’s two I can think of: I went to the RIEDEL factory and head office in 2012 and blew my own glass. It looks dreadful of course, but it was a lot of fun!The other was sitting at a private dinner with only four others, including 10th generation Georg Riedel and Penfolds winemaker Peter Gago. Listening to them talk about their love of wine and their experience, I was so out of my depth but knew how lucky I was to be at that table. |
| What is the most recent addition to your cellar? We recently bought an array of wines from Handpicked and their Chardonnays are delicious. |
| What do you think the wine industry will see more or less of in 2021? With everyone getting more comfortable entertaining at home, I think customer loyalty will take on new importance this year. Any restaurant team that provides a higher-level experience, whether that comes in the form of unintimidating education or offering a point of difference that’s new but relatable, will have a better chance to secure that all-important return customer. The dreariness of 2020 is behind us, people want to go out, discover great new wines and have fun! |
| What is the one piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to start their career in wine? Find mentors, ask for advice, always be open-minded about what path you’ll take! |
| Riedel is the proud sponsor of Pierre-Marie Caillaud in the Best Sommelier of Australia 2020. |
