We truly feel that the team we have assembled for you is outstanding. All have extensive experience in the wine industry as well as other background experience that they bring to the table as well. Most are credentialed by either the Wine & Spirit Educational Trust (WSET), the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS), and/or the Wine Scholar Guild (WSG). All of this experience and education bring together a big group of nerds, wine nerds, that are ready to serve and support your needs as well as solve your problems. You just need to let us know how we can help.
The Nerds:
Ryan Watts
WSET 3 | CMS 1
Ryan is the founder and visionary of Wine Nerds. He overseas the day-to-day operations of the company and also writes most of the content and blog articles on the website. He is also an avid photographer and manages the bottle photography service that is offered. Ryan is currently pursuing his WSET Diploma.
Terri Watts
WSET 2 | CMS 1
Terri is the Editor-in-Chief of Wine Nerds and not only oversees all creative aspects of the company but also has the final say in everything that is published.
Mary Montalvo
WSET 3 | Certified Sommelier
Mary has a wealth of wine education and experience under her belt, including being a certified WSET Educator and holding numerous wine and spirits certifications. She has over 15 years of experience in the field including owning her own wine bar, wine shop and restaurant along with wine club and staff management. Mary is also a travel enthusiast, provides guided tours of the regions she loves, and she’s passionate about making wine easy, fun, and educational for everyone. Mary is currently a WSET Diploma Candidate and holds the following accreditations:
Rioja Certified Educator
WSET Certified Educator
WSET Level 2 in Spirits
Spanish Wine Scholar Certified
IWS Prep
Certified Sommelier
Certified Beer Server
Emily Dunaway-Henrichs
Certified Sommelier
A former(recovering?) financial advisor, the wine bug got to Emily over 7 years ago and hasn’t looked back since. Achieving her Certified Sommelier pin in 2019, she has directed several wine programs in the heart of Downtown Asheville, earning a combined total of 4 Wine Spectator awards across those lists. She’s currently working in one of the largest independently owned bottle shops in Western North Carolina while she continues her studies in all thing wine and enjoying life with her husband and three animals.
Richard Hadley
WSET 3
Richard started his carrier as a server at a winery in 2019 when he was just 19 years old. He quickly became entranced by the sheer mountain of information and knowledge to be learn from this ancient beverage. He jumped right in and hasn’t stopped learning since. He achieved WSET 3 (with merit!) by the time is was 22 and is currently pursuing his diploma level with WSET. Richard has an amazing pallet and currently works as a vineyard manager at a winery in North Carolina.
Brianna Burns
DipWSET
With a background in wine education, wine buying, and retail management, Brianna has worked in the wine industry for over 12 years helping others find their love of wine. She is currently the wine marketing specialist at the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and the executive director of the NC Wine and Grape Council. She is passionate about wine education and helping consumers on finding their next favorite bottle of wine.