Meet Tania - From Plastic Cups to Pinot Noir

Tania recently joined our team, and we couldn’t be more excited. Her story is full of curiosity, travel, and a deepening love for wine that started in the most unexpected way. We caught up with her to hear more about her journey and, naturally, to get a wine recommendation too.

Q: Tania, tell us how your relationship with wine began.

Tania:  "I grew up in Pittsburgh, where wine usually meant something pink, sweet, and poured into a plastic cup—often over ice. It definitely wasn’t fancy, but it was my starting point. Things changed when I moved to San Francisco and met my now husband. On our first date, he asked, “Do you want to learn about wine?” and I said, “Sure, why not.” That simple answer kind of changed everything."

Q: That “why not” seems to come up a lot in your story.

Tania:  "Definitely! We later moved to the Pacific Northwest, where the wine scene is amazing. It became a bigger part of our lives, and I kept learning and tasting along the way. Then one day, out of the blue, my husband texted me: “What do you think about moving to Ireland?” I replied, “Why not?” And here we are."

Q: What made you decide to work in wine?

Tania:  "After years of exploring and enjoying wine just for the pleasure of it, I found myself wanting more. I was looking for something that felt meaningful—a role that connected to the things I genuinely care about. Wine had always been a part of my life in the background, and I finally thought, “Why not bring it to the forefront?”"

Q: How did you end up at Whelehans Wines?

Tania:  "When I discovered Whelehans Wines, something just clicked. There’s a real sense of care here - not just in the wines themselves, but in how the team approaches everything, from customer experience to storytelling. It’s the kind of place where passion meets purpose, and I knew I wanted to be part of that! "

Q: Okay, the important question: what wine are you loving right now?

Tania:  "One of my current favourites is the Giannitessari Pinot Noir from Veneto, 2024. It’s a wine that surprises you—in the best way. Light on its feet but full of character, it balances bright fresh cherries and red fruits with a whisper of earthiness that makes it endlessly drinkable. It’s elegant without being fussy, approachable, yet layered. To me, it captures the spirit of why I fell in love with wine in the first place: it tells a story, invites conversation, and pairs beautifully with both food and life."

TANIA'S WINE OF THE MOMENT 

Giannitessari, Pinot Noir, Veneto, 2024

Giannitessari Pinot Noir is a refined Italian red wine featuring vibrant cherry and raspberry scents, gentle earthy undertones, and a silky, medium body. Oak aging lends it polished tannins and a graceful finish.

• 6 Months in French oak 

Food Pairing: Ideal for pairing with charcuterie, light meals or enjoying on its own.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2029