Born and raised in Sonoma County, California, surrounded by vineyards and wineries, her passion for wine and hospitality started at a young age. Food and wine have always brought Claire’s family and friends together and is one of the first ways that she connected with her husband, who happens to be a chef. The way food and wine pulls people together is one of the things that Claire loves most about working in the wine industry. She loves sharing her experiences and wants wine to be fun and approachable, so everyone is comfortable to enjoy what they like.
After studying Public Relations at California State University, Chico, Claire began her career in wine at Copia: The American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts. During her two years at Copia she was able to participate in WSET courses, obtaining her Advanced Certificate and furthering her passion for wine. After Copia closed, she spent a short time as a Wine Educator at The Robert Mondavi Winery before joining the Guest Services team at Jordan Vineyard & Winery. Claire spent 12 years at Jordan honing her craft and leading the Guest Services team as the Director of Guest Services.
In the summer of 2021 Claire and her family moved to Northeastern Ohio where her husband was born and raised. Soon after her cross-country move, she was referred to Jim Demuth, proprietor of Gregory James Wines, by a mutual friend. They met and tasted through the portfolio of wines and agreed that together they could move Gregory James Wines in the right direction.
Outside of work and when not cooking and enjoying a glass of wine, Claire can be found hiking, exploring parks, restaurants, wineries and breweries while chasing her two young daughters.
