Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Tobey
Tiffany, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Always been in the service industry, started serving tables when I was 15 in a diner win West Texas. Certified through the Court of Master Sommeliers while attending Texas Tech University to get a business degree. Currently a Viticulture Graduate student with hopes of having my own vineyard one day. Moved to DFW after college and jumped right into fine dining with Hilton.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the wine industry I don’t think I know any females who have had a “smooth road.” Being a female Sommelier was unheard of for many years, it was an ol’ boys club that was very intimidating. There are only 279 Master Sommeliers in the entire world, 170 in America…only 25 of those are women. (I aspire to one day join those ranks.) While I was in college and got bit by the “wine bug” there was no study group to turn to like there is in the big cities…I created an island of study material and dove head first and did it by myself without a study buddy or mentor. *do not recommend* 🙂
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have channeled all my knowledge, luxury experience and familiarity, and personability to create a side project called Tiffanys Toast. I create experiences, food and wine experiences, and educational seminars that cater to whatever the client is interested in experiencing. Wine is a beautiful thing in itself, but when you get someone in front of you that is passionate about the beauty of wine from the soil, to the vine, to the grape, to the fermentation, to the family working the land, to the processes, to the bottle, to the distribution, to the entire story….it can change a “drink” into something magical and real.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Develop thick skin and learn as much as you possibly can. The wine world can be very cutthroat, but it can also be very encouraging and nurturing– with education and mentoring, as long as you have good judgement of the people you surround yourself with, or the companies you work for.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @tiffanytobey @tiffanystoast
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiffany.tobey.73
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tiffanytobeysommelier8410
