Meet Andrea Early | Sommelier

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrea Early and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Being a first generation student, without many resources taught me to be cautious and careful with my decision-making. Because failure wasn’t an option. I fell in love with wine while in grad school but didn’t know if I could make a living from it. At the time, I saw the wine industry as a risk…Something like a dream job that felt out of reach. I went on to become a therapist. I joined the military. I always pursued things that offered stability. I have taken risks with travel, finances, etc. but starting a career and a business in the wine industry is a definitely one of my riskier endeavors. It’s a passion project. The Birmingham wine scene is growing and I want to be apart of creating accessible, approachable, and fun experiences. The pandemic definitely made me realize I was my own barrier because I was always questioning the “what if” instead of just getting started. Every risk I’ve taken in pursuit of my career endeavors has been fruitful so I’m going to keep taking the risks and making the effort.

What should our readers know about your business?
I started a personal sommelier business called Bon Vivant Noir. Bon vivant stands for a connoisseur of luxury experiences especially wine and fine dining. I provide private wine tastings, wine education, and consultation. In addition, I host monthly events all over the city of Birmingham. Most sommeliers work in restaurants but I’m a bit non-traditional as my services lean more toward event planning, entertainment, and education. When I was looking for help to start my business most people didn’t know what to do with me because I’m not a brick and mortar business and I don’t have a product to sale. I provide a service that can be done in-person or virtually. I started hosting events for an organization but I realized quickly that there was a need for more wine knowledge and more inclusive experiences. My business is not my full-time job, I have to balance it along with my therapist and military career. Time management and networking are central in how I function. “Meet people where they are” is a motto I use as a therapist and a sommelier because it means to get know your audience and then invite them to go a step further with you. What I want people to know about my brand and my story is that wine is meant for everyone and I want to increase accessibility and knowledge around it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had to show a friend a good time in my city. I would definitely start with any evening events hosted at the Birmingham Museum of Art. I always have a great time there. I love the entertainment scene in Lakeview and Avondale. Maybe we would do the Farmers market at Pepper Place. Check out the booming brewery scene in Birmingham (Avondale brewing, Cahaba brewing, Good People, and Back Forty are my favorites). Of course the staples of Birmingham, The Vulcan, Railroad Park, and City Walk. I love live music so I would definitely add Perfect Note, Plum bar, Uptown Jazz, and Eighty Eight to the list. Depending on the time of year catch a Barons game at Regions Field. I have to stop by Lenell’s Beverage boutique, Golden Age, and my favorite winery Ozan. Can’t forget Dread River distillery. I’m a big foodie. Perry’s because I’m in love with their pork chop, Saw’s BBQ, Pies and Pints, Pizitz food hall, EastWest, Bamboo on 2nd, and for late night eats at Travis food truck or Granny’s Fish and grits.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
When I began my journey, I looked for women in the wine industry who looked like me. I followed them on social media, observed the organizations and efforts they were involved in, and immersed myself in all things wine related. The journey was pretty lonely at first. Then I decided to joined Black Girls Wine Society last year to foster community among women who also enjoyed wine. Through that organization, I began hosting events and building connections. Those women shared resources with me, encouraged me to pursue scholarships, and celebrated my wins with me as I started accumulating certifications. In preparation for my level 3 certification, I applied for scholarships which also offered mentorship. I received a scholarship from Wine Unify and my mentor Dini Rao has been monumental in helping me get my business off the ground. So I want to dedicate my Shout out to Wine Unify, my mentors (Dini, Kriis, and Emily), the women of BGWS, my partner Tori for helping me with all of my events, and my friends who have supported my events.

Website: https://www.bonvivantnoirllc.com/

Instagram: @bonvivantnoirllc

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-early-153726265/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Bon-Vivant-Noir-LLC/100084707644981/