Andrea Delaroque

founder

I’ve never been one to waltz into a restaurant or wine bar, grab a giant wine book, and know exactly what to order.  Nope.  I’m the one asking for advice from the wine professional because as much as I enjoy drinking wine, I’ve never studied it and in all honesty, I’ve never wanted to.  For me, the pleasure in wine is discovering something new, finding a perfect pairing, tasting a new wine that is just “easy,” and simply enjoying a bottle with good company.  

I became interested in natural wine around the same time I became interested in clean beauty and upcycled products.  As I learned more about natural wine, the producers, the farming practices, and the simple premise that we can drink beautiful wine that is also good for the planet, I was fully on board.  I love knowing that each vintage is different because each farming year is unique and that uniqueness is reflected in the bottle.  Not by accident, but by design and because the winemaker chose not to intervene in the natural process.  How it was done in the ‘old days.’  As we say at DirtyVine, natural wine is a new way to do wine rooted in the really, really, old way.   

I was inspired to create DirtyVine for everyone who enjoys wine, frets about the planet, and isn’t a master sommelier.  I feel like it might be a large audience?  I’m fortunate to work with a team who cares deeply about wine and hospitality, and who are curating an exceptional selection of items at DirtyVine.  

On a personal note,  I’m a parent (daughter and dog),  I own a French épicerie and café in San Francisco named Maison Nico with my exquisitely talented chef-husband, and I’m a lawyer (who no longer practices law).   I enjoy yoga a lot and will travel nearly anywhere for great food.  I dislike lines. 

Robyn Montes

Wine Curator

It wasn’t until I moved to California that I truly fell in love with wine. Sure, I’d always enjoyed wine, but it didn’t click until I had the chance to meet the people behind it. Living in the Bay Area has allowed me to connect with wine in a way I never could while living in Chicago. My approach to wine has evolved over the years—from feeling the need to become a master sommelier, to focusing on creating an experience where guests feel at ease with wine. At the end of the bottle, all that matters is that you loved it.

I’m curating the DirtyVine selection to highlight small, independent producers who put the health of the consumer, the grower, and the planet front and center. I genuinely hope you enjoy these wines and that I can earn your trust to get you to try something new.

Before DirtyVine, I was working in restaurants and hotels - I truly love the industry. It satisfies my curiosity every single day. I’ve worked in everything from casual to three-star establishments, and no matter where I am, the most rewarding part is building genuine connections with both the team and the guests. My career path has been a bit eclectic too, from working as a flight attendant to getting involved in political campaigns during college.

I’m a student at heart, constantly reading about wine, completing certifications, and doing the homework so you don’t have to. The only thing I’ll ask is that when you can, share these bottles with friends—new or old. Wine is always better when enjoyed with others.