I tell stories about food, wine, spirits, and the people, places, and cultures that bring these things to life.

Write. Speak. Consult.

I’m Jessica, and I’m so glad you stopped by. I write about wine, spirits, food, and travel.

I’ve spent the past decade traveling and working throughout the world’s wine and spirits regions and telling the stories about the people I meet and places I see. 

Publications.

Author.

I’ve written seven books, including chef-driven projects for James Beard Award-winning chefs Tyson Cole of Uchi, and Ford Fry of The Optimist and Superica. I’ve also written cookbooks for the famed Salt Lick BBQ restaurant and local Austin favorite, Jack Allen's Kitchen. I wrote two book projects through Southern Living that explore the stories, history, and flavors of both Texas and the South. 

My latest book, The Wines of Southwest U.S.A., a part of the Classic Wine Library, covers the emerging American wine regions in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado.

  • The Wines of Southwest USA

    Guide to New Mexico, Texas, Arizona & Colorado

  • Tex-Mex: Traditions, Innovations, &

    Comfort Foods from Both Sides of the Border

  • United Tastes of the South

    Dishes from Appalachia to the Bayou & Beyond

  • United Tastes of Texas

    Recipes from All Corners of the Lone Star State

  • Jack Allen's Kitchen

    Celebrating the Tastes of Texas

  • The Salt Lick Cookbook

    A Story of Land, Family, and Love

  • Uchi

    The Cookbook

A native Texan from Austin, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and stories with others. I love bringing enthusiasm and approachability to wine, spirits, and food with:

Corporate and Event Speaking

Corporate and Private Tastings

Large Group Pairing Dinners

Virtual Tasting and Speaking Events

Speak.

Wine and Spirits Educational Trust: Diploma (Level 4)

Court of Master Sommeliers: Certified Sommelier

Society of Wine Educators: Certified Specialist of Wine and Certified Specialist of Spirits.

Certified.

Another Bottle Down

Want to hear more about stories, trends, and more in the world of wine and spirits? Join me and my co-host Mark Rashap as we talk about all things liquid for our bi-weekly podcast, Another Bottle Down.

LAUNCHING: September 2022

Podcast.