Wine, Work, and a Whole Lot of Passion: The Entrepreneurial Grit Behind Winkler & Samuels

Check Out the Latest Episode of the Pain Points Podcast with Business Owner & Wine Sommelier, Melissa Winkler!

Welcome to the Pain Points Podcast!

In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Winkler, a certified Level 2 Sommelier and owner of Winkler & Samuels, a boutique wine and spirits shop offering curated wine classes, a premium wine storage facility, and a passion-driven approach to wine education. 

Melissa takes us on a journey from her unexpected start in the wine industry—beginning as a nanny, to discovering her passion at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, and finally building a thriving wine business in Buffalo, NY. 

Episode Highlights:

• The challenges of becoming a sommelier and the rigorous certification process 

• The pain points of starting and managing a niche wine business 

• The importance of terroir, how to truly taste wine, and why there’s no wrong way to enjoy it 

• How Winkler & Samuels differentiates itself by curating unique, small-batch wines 

• The behind-the-scenes reality of running a business with a spouse and balancing work-life demands 

Tips for choosing better quality wines, avoiding headaches, and understanding the difference between Champagne & Prosecco 

Want to take your wine knowledge to the next level? 
Join Winkler & Samuels’ Wine Club for hand-selected bottles, expert pairing recommendations, and a one-of-a-kind experience delivered to your door! 

Find Melissa and Winkler & Samuels: 
📍 Visit the Store: 500 Seneca St, Buffalo, NY 
Website & Wine Club Info
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Book a Wine Class

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