Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmen Ingerman.
Hi Carmen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The wine world was very intimidating for me: full of names I couldn’t pronounce and a laundry list of tasting notes I didn’t get (…cat pee? and that’s a good thing!?). I loved the natural wine bars and bottle shops in my New York City neighborhood — their friendly staff and eye-catching labels — but was never quite sure what or how to order.
Then the pandemic hit. I quarantined with a (generous!) friend who had access to an incredible wine cellar. The combination of extra downtime and knowing that I was drinking something truly special led me to start researching the bottles we drank. I haven’t looked back since.
After those initial cellar rabbit holes, I sought higher education through WSET and Court of Master Sommeliers. What began as personal development grew into a larger mission after attending a self-important wine event where the host only reinforced the culture of intimidation I was leaving behind. Empowered by my deeper understanding, I was motivated to make the topic more accessible for others. In finding ways to demystify the wine world, I fell in love with its stories.
From farmers hand-harvesting Riesling on impossibly steep slate soil in Germany; to young winemakers revitalizing ancient vineyards on volcanic Canary Islands; or multi-generational families in Bordeaux building on a centuries-old legacy; the stories, landscape, and historical context behind each bottle make wine magical.
Learning about wine is also learning about history, geography, and chemistry. It’s an incredible way to feel connected to different parts of the world and immersed in new cultures. You can pick up a bottle of Albariño and instantly sense the salty Atlantic breeze, or drink a Barolo imagining the fog rolling through the hills of Piedmont.
It’s also incredibly personal. We all have different backgrounds, and our palate is influenced by our experiences, which makes drinking together all the more impactful. A cup of tea is part of my nightly routine, so I have a knack for picking up flavors of chamomile. Meanwhile, my mother grew up in Nicaragua and is predisposed to notes of guava I might not decipher. Wining With Carmen invites you to be part of the conversation.
Speaking of flavors… we drink wine because it tastes good. Playing with food pairings is where the fun really happens… and it’s best when shared. Sitting around the table with a good bottle and great conversation is what it’s all about.
I started Wining With Carmen to share these stories and build a community of curious wine drinkers. If you’re just starting your journey or you’ve been collecting bottles for years, my style is approachable and full of intention.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building a brand can mean being very much online. Social media does not come easily for me, and I’m still figuring it out, but I’ve always prioritized authenticity over algorithms — sharing the bottles and insights I love on @winingwithcarmen — which has created a much more engaged, tight-knit Instagram community. My goal is to grow, so I push myself out of my comfort zone with marketing in the same way I encourage my audience to step outside of their comfort zone when trying new varietals.
We’ve been impressed with Wining With Carmen, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Wining With Carmen is wine education on a human level — no matter your background. I highlight sustainably-made wines from mindful producers with a great story. I specialize in list curation, whether it’s selecting and sourcing wines for your next dinner party or event — or, if you’re visiting Nashville, stocking your fridge for the weekend. I also host tasting events and virtual classes, breaking down nuances to make you more confident shopping or ordering yourself.
How do you define success?
Things really clicked for me when I began understanding the cause-and-effect behind why a wine tastes a certain way. I want that for others. I’ve succeeded when a client learns the fundamentals to identify and articulate their preferences: the tools to order out in the real world… especially when you don’t see your beloved Pinot Noir on the menu.
I’m most proud when creating a sense of intrigue. My day is made when an avid Chardonnay drinker falls in love with Godello and asks what they should try next.
You can find me on Instagram @winingwithcarmen and my website winingwithcarmen.com to follow along and book an experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://winingwithcarmen.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winingwithcarmen/
