Joe Leftin - General Sales Manager
Joe Leftin
(513) 807-2812
joe@cuttingedgeselections.com
General Sales Manager
First Vintage with Cutting Edge?
2017
WHAT EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE IN THE WINE/RESTAURANT INDUSTRY AND HOW DID THIS EXPERIENCE SET YOU UP FOR SUCCESS AT CES?
20 years in the restaurant business including stints at Hugo, Honey, La Poste (with the infamous Eric Faber), Metropole, Proof on Main, and Counting House.
What made you want to work at CES?
The people and the wine. The best people, and the best portfolio in the business. It is definitely good to be us.
Last moment (or wine) that took your breath away?
Lopez de Heredia Vina Gravonia that I snuck into a Bluegrass show.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Wine has the power to bring happiness to people. Helping folks connect to new wines and find joy in them is the best!
What is favorite wine region and what do you love about it?
It's the Williamette dammit!!! Balanced wines with soul from folks who love the land they cultivate.
What was your best wine trip?
2018 Williamette Valley Trip. Hanging with winemakers, walking some of the oldest vineyards in the valley. Epic.
What is your guilty pleasure wine?
Old California Chardonnay – Don’t you judge me!
If you could share a bottle of your favorite wine with any person, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Arthur Ashe. I have always admired him, and the work he did to make our world a better place. Plus we could talk tennis.
What is one place in the world your would love to visit?
Peru. I would like to hike the Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchu.
What is your favorite fact about Squirrels?
The number of squirrels has risen dramatically in Eastern Washington in the last 12 months. Scientists can’t quite explain the phenomena, but do believe it has something to do with something in the Walla Walla area.