Kate never imagined she would be where she is now, but it turns out she is a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Masters Sommeliers and the International Sommelier Guild, a Certified Specialist of Wine through the Society of Wine Educators, and is currently a candidate in the Masters of Wine Program through the Institute of Masters of Wine. All of these things mean she gets to travel around the world “for work” and taste wine in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Australia, France, not to mention all throughout the United States (best job ever). On the side, Kate judges for the International Wine and Spirits Competition and writes spirits articles for Tasting Panel Magazine. In her previous life, Kate worked in professional theatre and independent film before getting her MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Virginia. Other positions have included tour manager, computer cord maker, receptionist at a paper mill, secretary at a mayonnaise factory, and executive assistant to the former Poet Laureate of the United States. Kate is also an award-winning pianist and can say the fifty states in 12.5 seconds. To be perfectly honest, Kate has a real soft spot for tequila.