I’ve gotta say, moving to the bay has been a wildly wonderful experience and one of the most exciting parts has been getting to meet some of the coolest/well accomplished people. I would be doing her a disservice to highlight all of her accomplishments and not discuss her personality. Our WkendHer for the month of March is one of the most down to earth, super eclectic, risk takers I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and which is more is that she does it all with style and grace! That said I’d like to introduce you to Ms (Soon to be Mrs.) Allison Scott.
Allison is single handedly shifting the paradigm on wine. I know it’s a bold statement, but let’s be real we’ve all been in that tough spot where you’re at an important dinner and all of the sudden you’re selected for the grand honor of selecting wine… idk about you, but I was shooketh lol! AllisonUncorked is her wine blog where she takes you on her personal journey through the world of wine while equally exposing the finer and simpler parts of the industry. TBH what I love about it most is that she’s removed all of the guess work by saying from the gate, I’m no expert, but let’s learn together. “I still have a lot to learn about wines, wineries, and traveling in wine. Follow along and learn with me!” How can’t you love that type of environment. All in all it’s simple, I had to learn more!
What inspired you to start exploring wine?
When I moved to Cali, 5 years ago, it was supposed to be temporary and I decided I wanted to learn as much as I could about Napa and wine. So I went to Napa for the first time and was hooked on everything it had to offer.
What was your first experience with wine?
Slapping the bag in college with box wine… and then my next most significant experiences where at friends parents houses in college. But I finally started appreciating wine when I first visited Napa.
What does the word influencer mean to you?
At first I hated the word, but I’ve grown to love the interpersonal interaction that has grown as a result. Specifically, the ability to make recommendations to people and see their smiling faces as a result is the most fulfilling thing for me.
I mean on some level you have to have good content, good pictures and what not. Aside from that I let people know that this is my journey through wine and I want to let you learn from my mistakes.
For instance I’ve been learning so much about champagne this year and sharing has helped other people get more confident in their selections.
To circle back, to me influencers are really just individuals who shift or broaden your perspective through their interaction with them.
Do you feel like being an influencer impacted your lifestyle? If so, how?
It’s personally impacted me 110%. What’s been most significant has been the relationships that I have built as a result and the lasting friendships I have made.
I was sent to France for an entire week! The experience I had and the memories I’ve made aren’t things that you could even remotely pay for, and for that I am forever grateful for the experiences this community, I’ve built, has brought me.
Also it’s a whole 2nd job. I’ve been really busy at work and as a result I haven’t been able to give my blog and other pages the love or time they need.
Balancing passion and obligation.
This is my passion. I’ve thought about quitting my corporate job and trying to work in the wine industry. However, if I did that in some ways I fear it may take away from my passion. So I am not ready to make that jump just yet – but I am working on what that could look like for me one day!
Striking the balance is hard. And it requires ruthless prioritization. I’m trying a new process where I get to plan out my content – we will see how it works over the next few months.
Who do you look to for inspiration?
@oliviarink she makes sure that she puts her own spin on things. It’s not just standing out in front of a building taking a picture on and iPhone.
@sophiabush she doesn’t care what anyone thinks just does her thing and I love it.
@tarajiphenson read her book (which I LOVED), and I love that she worked so hard to get to where she is today and maintained her character in the process – she is killing it. Also, who doesn’t want to surface their inner Cookie Lyon?
I love authenticity!
What are your top tips for selecting wine?
Actually I love this question… my goal is to make wine more inviting. Wine was made to replace water because the water was contaminated and also it was made to bring people together. I went to a wine conference and people hated the fact that I (AN INFLUENCER) was there, but the owner of the winery walked up to me and said don’t let them intimidate you… if you like any of them you don’t have to know why. The love is enough and that’s why I do it!
To directly answer your question. If I’m in an informal setting I’ll ask the manager if they have a sommelier to get suggestions. Most restaurants are preparing wine lists to pair with their foods.
Personally I like to start with something lighter and get heavier through the evening.
Pro tip: We don’t all know everything about every wine. That is why there are somms and waiters to help you out at resturants. Tell them what you like and your price range and they can suggest something for you. Also, pick two random wines (in your price range) and ask the waiter or somm which they prefer: “I am trying to decide between these two – which is better for what we are ordering or why do you suggest one more than the other?” This opens up the conversation and lets them lead the wine knowledge and you to make the decision. Leaving the guests impressed with you 😉
So our moniker is Work 9-5, live 9-5, what does that look like for you?
Ideal state, work from 9-5 gym for an hour, then wine and dinner with friends. However getting there is difficult at times.
Respect and admiration are great words, but they honestly don’t even begin to express my sentiment for Allison. I know what the day to day could mean professionally and for her to be crushing it on two fronts is truly astonishing. Thank you first and foremost for being an inspiration to all of us aspiring influencers, and even more thank you for being our WkendHER. I literally can’t wait to see what comes next and if i have any questions about wine i know zackly who imma call!
To A Life Worth Living,
The Wkender