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These are not the typical binge drinking videos likely to be de-tagged on Facebook; Wino Woman has instead made imbibing alcohol on camera into a career. Before reading on, abandon any jealousy for not thinking of the idea first.

Wino Woman’s website provides lovers of the grape with instructional videos on getting the most out of the wine experience. Just when visitors think they’ve heard enough about wine pairings, she turns the barrels on them. Putting a twist on things, Wino Woman suggests wines that complement life experiences, music, and even awkward situations.

As any level-headed young woman would, Anne Strand began to conceptualize her alter ego, Wino Woman, before quitting Google. Prior to the career 180, Strand graduated from Yale University and worked for Facebook. Needless to say, she had acquired the web tactics to reach younger professionals ... as they all become winos themselves.

Strand stumbled upon wine bliss with a 1999 Domaine Faury Côte-Rôtie, its notes of black pepper changing with each swirl of the glass, piquing her interest. She reflects, “I think I was finally ready to have that moment.” Following that memorable experience, Strand enrolled in the Professional Culinary Institute of California and studied her tuckus off to become a level two wine sommelier (four levels total), the master level only having been reached by 170 people in the world. Now she works at the Wine Club retailer in San Francisco, where she gets to sample up to 60 wines per workday. Cue jealousy again.

But really, she wants to take it to the (cyber) streets. “In the U.S., young professionals are showing a growing interest in wine,” she says. “I’m trying to reach these people, to help them learn about wine in a fun, non-intimidating way.” Similarly, as the ripening generations gain a richer, more experienced relationship with wine, the industry has responded with a sense of humor. Somehow, we wouldn’t be as shocked to see a cartoon octopus or a toothless old lady on a wine label as we might have 15 years ago. For example, Strand provides Il Bastardo, a Sangiovese from Tuscany, to devious women in need of a gift for their ex-boyfriend’s wedding.

Wine is not all about cute irony, however. Wino Woman provides a brief history of the vineyard’s region, what flavor notes to expect, and even how to drink the wine. After the short video clip, the viewer will have the option to become the owner as Strand provides a direct link to purchase the wine at an online retailer.

Prices will vary by situation (the ex-boyfriend surely deserves a cheap bottle) and by quality. Strand includes selections of both fine wines and inexpensive brands because she’s invested in educating and encouraging the ultimate experience rather than always limiting budding winos based on their wallets.

In the future, Wino Woman will welcome suggestions from fans who may seek a “Wine for Raking Leaves” or a “Wine for a Discreet Thermos in Golden Gate Park.” For now, check out her site, for it’s rumored that Wonder Woman has recorded a special Halloween wine pairing.

winowoman.com
twitter.com/Wino_Woman
youtube.com/winowoman