Meet Kimberle Elbery | Sommelier/Wine Educator

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

Hi Kimberle, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In April of 2020 I was introduced to a company that was blowing the whistle on the mass produced wine industry. I learned so much about wine during during this time and also started to realize how much consumers don’t know about the wine they’re drinking. I wanted to be able to educate people the same way I was educated but in a fun and approachable way. I couldn’t find anyone locally that was hosting any kind of private tastings or educating about wine without going through a certification course so I decided to be that person. I love wine, teaching and bringing people together to enjoy community so it seemed like the perfect fit. Wine brings people together and at a time when we craved togetherness I was able to start doing virtual and eventually in-person wine tastings and my company just evolved from there.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Wow, what a ride the last few years have been. While I feel like it was so long ago when I decided to embark on this journey, it also feels just like yesterday. My business has evolved over the last few years and it’s continuing to evolve as I learn more. We always joke that you don’t get into wine education to be rich, you get into it because you’re passionate about wine and passionate about the industry. There is always something new to learn, a new region to discover or wine to taste so it keeps you on your toes. The wine community has been incredible. I struggle constantly with imposter syndrome, it’s not an easy thing to overcome. I’ve been able to lean on those around me that are much smarter than me and they’ve kept me in check and have encouraged this journey, I’m very lucky. I’ve learned to put myself in rooms where everyone is smarter than me and while that can be intimidating, it’s how I’ve learned so much. I nature the relationships I’ve formed, I have fun! I take pride in what I do, I love to be able to teach someone something new or to get them to try a new wine or varietal they may have never tried. It’s most important to me that I stay authentic to myself and my beliefs in this industry and I feel like I continue to do that day after day. I co-founded a second business using my wine education to create beautiful home & body products that use the academic markers we’re tested on as sommeliers called Eau Du Vin. This past year I’ve also become the wine educator at one of the top wine shops in Atlanta. My journey is only just beginning and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my favorite places to visit is Halcyon and we take everyone that comes to town there. It’s a great place to grab a drink, sit outside and people watch. If you have kids, they can run around and play in the sandbox. There are a lot of food options, a delicious coffee shop and some great shopping.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I couldn’t have started this business or kept it going without the support of my family from coast to coast or all of my incredible customers that have entrusted me enough to host wine tasting or wine education classes over the last 3.5 years. Thank you!

Website: southernsunshineandwine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/southernsunshineandwine

Facebook: facebook.com/southernsunshineandwine

Image Credits
Kierston Parks Photography