Born in New York City to an American oenophile and a Brazilian chef, Alexandra Elman was exposed to fine wine and food at an early age. Both her parents encouraged her to experience the world and develop her own opinions, so she became her mother’s chief taster and helped her father study for wine society entrance exams. She spent her youth in Brazil, France and New York and this early exposure to an array of food and wines honed both her palate and passion for high quality wines made without manipulation.

As an adult, Elman went to work for Perrier-Jouët Champagne in Epernay, France, where she learned about wine production at the Chateaux level—she worked in production, packaging, storage and sales. Upon her return to the U.S., Elman began to work for her stepfather, Basil Winston, trading wines from all over the world, including many California cult wines. When working for Sherry Lehman, Elman was exposed to some of the lesser-known wines of the world, and found them to be more compelling and honest—or truly reflective of their sense of place—than many of the larger labels.

In her early 20's, Alexandra Elman lost her vision. Shortly thereafter, she began to discover that her palate was, in fact, becoming more focused. Her passion for wine grew, and Elman developed a reputation as someone who not only had an intricate knowledge of fine wine, but an extraordinary sense of what might succeed in the marketplace. Today, she is internationally recognized for finding exceptional, authentic wines that are meant to be enjoyed everyday as a celebration of life.

In 2002, Elman embarked on a venture to import small production, hand crafted, artisan wines to the U.S. In 2009, Alex decided to create her own label of wines and formed Alex Elman Wines, which released its inaugural portfolio in November 2010. Elman’s wines are honest, focusing on the sustainability of the vineyards where they are produced, as well as truly representing the wine’s terroir.

Today, she travels the world with Hanley, her Seeing Eye dog, in order to find the best wines that the earth has to offer.