Jeannie Lacombe's passion for wine dates back to 1986 when she spent a semester abroad in France. That passion for wine and her desire to learn continued to evolve over the years, and her annual trips to France began to involve spending time touring France's wine regions. In the mid-1990's, as an Account Director for an international marketing firm, Jeannie was transferred to Paris where she spent the next 5 years. While continuing to develop her palate and knowledge of French and other European wines, Jeannie decided to turn her passion into a profession.
Enrolling in a professional wine program in Paris, Jeannie transitioned from marketing to wine by immersing herself in a program that provided her with a solid foundation in tasting, evaluating and general knowledge of wine (part sommelier, buyer, seller and educator). After completing her studies, Jeannie worked for a small, independent wine shop in Paris where she refined her knowledge of the French wine market. Jeannie returned to the United States in 2001.
Prior to joining Vinfolio, Jeannie spent 2 years at Wine Warehouse as a Sales Representative in the San Francisco territory. Her clients included some of the top hotels and fine dining establishments in the City. The international nature of the wine portfolio she represented allowed Jeannie to expand her knowledge to wine from other regions of the world. Jeannie was also part of the PlumpJack retail wine team (part-time) where she had the opportunity to teach classes on such topics as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne and Basics of Wine.
Jeannie still travels to Europe every year to keep in touch with developments in her favorite wine growing region of the world.
Jeannie has a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin in International Relations and French.
After pursuing a career as a PGA Apprentice Golf Professional in Florida and Colorado, a two-month trip traveling the wine regions of Europe convinced Loren to convert his enthusiasm for wine into a career. In 1999, he moved to Napa Valley to work his first harvest at a boutique winery producing cult cabernet sauvignon. He spent four years (two as assistant winemaker) learning the craft, managing a $4 million inventory, and assisting with all aspects of the business. Loren's current wine interests are now centered on Burgundy and the Northern Rhone, as well as terroir-focused eccentric producers where site naturally limits production.
Loren was exposed to great wines at a young age. While studying for his bachelor's degree at the University of Colorado, Boulder, he furthered his interest in wine by reading and attending as many tastings as possible. He started cooking and hosting dinner parties where food/wine pairing was often the theme, leading him to later open his own catering business.
Loren has also logged many hours of course work at UC Davis, including the Organization International de La Vigne et du Vin (OIV Wine Marketing Program) - an intensive 3-week program focused on the economics of wine production and marketing in the United States.
Rachael Kansas attended the University of Texas at Austin, earning a B.S. in Corporate Communications. Following graduation, she moved to Washington D.C. to work for a nonprofit, Hillel at the George Washington University. Rachael strengthened her service skills by advising what some may consider the most challenging of "customers" - college students. As part of a national fellowship, she planned numerous small and large scale events, managed new initiatives and strengthened relationships between the organization and the students on campus. She also coordinated and staffed multiple student trips abroad as well as a volunteer trip to Mississippi for Hurricane Katrina relief.
Born in New Orleans, Rachael was raised in a city that truly appreciates indulgence in great food and wine. Her father first sparked her interest in wine, introducing her to rich California Cabernets and vintage Ports. She joined Vinfolio in the fall of 2006, excited to continue her wine education, so close to the heart of America's wine production. Rachael also enjoys live music, photography, cooking and hiking.