“Red, white or pink,” says Suzie Kukaj-Curovic ’07 of her favorite wine. “As long as it has bubbles, I like it.” What a fitting statement for the newly promoted associate director of Public Relations at Mionetto USA, a producer of highly rated prosecco, a sparkling Italian white wine.
Suzie got her start in the wine industry working as a temp at Kobrand Wine and Spirits, an importer and marketer of a distinguished portfolio of wine and spirits. She knew she had found something she enjoyed, so she soon began taking classes through Wine & Spirit Education Trust and seeking out mentors and coaches in the wine industry. She developed her palate first by tasting wines on her own and then through a wine tasting group she started. “We would meet monthly for blind tastings and then discuss the nuances of each wine,” she said. “The group would look for such qualities as sweetness, acidity and body. I was determined to learn everything I could about wine.”
Suzie’s passions for marketing and wine partner perfectly in her role at Mionetto USA. “Public relations is all about the story,” says Suzie. “It’s about building relationships with winemakers and owners of wineries, helping them craft their story and then sharing the story.”
When asked to describe a typical day at work, she remarked, “No two days are ever alike. My job and the wine industry are both always evolving.”
After her recent promotion, what is Suzie looking forward to next? “I’ll be traveling to Italy soon for a wine convention where I’ll be tasting the new vintages. Then it’s on to Aspen for the Food & Wine Classic.” Suzie paused. “I love my job.”
SUZIE’S ADVICE
Be a team player.
There’s more than one way to get from point A to point B.
THINGS TO WATCH FOR
Canned wines — they are starting to get a lot of recognition.
FUN FACTS
Prosecco comes in three levels of “bubble”:
Spumante is the most bubbly;
Frizzante is second in bubbly-ness;
Tranquillo is still.
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