Ann Boucher - European Brand Manager – Director of Importing
Ann Boucher
(614) 329-3034
a.boucher@cuttingedgeselections.com
European Brand Manager – Director of Importing
First Vintage with Cutting Edge?
2008
WHAT EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE IN THE WINE/RESTAURANT INDUSTRY AND HOW DID THIS EXPERIENCE SET YOU UP FOR SUCCESS AT CES?
My wine journey started in 1983, when needing a job after college, I applied at the central human resource department at Lazarus Department Stores. There happened to be an opening for an entry level sales associate in the wine department. I knew nothing about wine, but the job was very enjoyable. After about a month on the job, the manager/wine buyer of the department announced his departure. The senior management staff decided that I could fill in as wine buyer, until they could find a replacement for the manager. I set about studying and tasting as much as possible just to make an attempt at fulfilling the job requirements. Along the way I discovered how fun and exciting the world of wine can be and that I gained a great passion for wine. Serendipity!
I stayed in the wine industry moving into the wholesale tier of the business, working first as a sales representative and then starting a wholesale company with a partner in 1998 and acting as president of that company until 2006.
Thirty-seven years ago my gender made me quite an anomaly in the wine industry. There were very few women working as sales represents, wine buyers or managers at the retail or wholesale level. There were not even very many women purchasing wine for their own consumption. It was a real men’s club and I was not always a welcomed participant. But, today, I am witnessing a wonderful transformation. More and more women are moving into management positions and the big news is that 60% of the wine purchased in the USA last year was purchased by women.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy tasting with customers and learning the stories behind the wines we represent.
If you could share a bottle of your favorite wine with any person, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Ruth Bader Ginsberg: Because she was, I am here.
Thirty-seven years ago my gender made me quite an anomaly in the wine industry. There were very few women working as sales represents, wine buyers or managers at the retail or wholesale level. There were not even very many women purchasing wine for their own consumption. It was a real men’s club and I was not always a welcomed participant. But, today, I am witnessing a wonderful transformation. More and more women are moving into management positions and the big news is that 60% of the wine purchased in the USA last year was purchased by women.
What is your favorite wine and food pairing?
Muscadet and oysters. It’s a classic.
What is your ideal way to spend a day off?
Studying genealogy and history.