ABOUT US : OUR TEAM
Barry R. O'Brien, Founding Partner/CEO
Barry O'Brien has been in the fine wine trade for 25 years in various roles - as Sommelier, wine marketer, sales agent, wine merchandiser and importer. He has toured extensively in the world's most important and emerging wine regions. In addition to his start as Sommelier at The Flagstaff House, and commercial work with Schieffelin & Somerset, Guenoc/Langtry Estate, Wineshopper.com and Wine.com, Barry designed and taught continuing education wine curriculum at New York University's School of Education. A lifelong wine lover, he shares his knowledge and passion for wine at tastings, seminars and conferences throughout the U.S. Barry lives in Traverse City, Michigan with his wife Laura and their two children.
Laura O'Brien, Partner/CFO
Laura Minervini O'Brien grew up in an Italian, wine-loving family helping her father make the vino de casa. As a confirmed "Foodie," sharing a table with a wine guy seemed perfectly natural, and made the rest of the family very happy. Having an entrepreneurial spirit, she has owned and managed small businesses throughout her professional life as a photographer and in the building trades. For the past 10 years, Laura has successfully directed the operations and financial affairs of Select Fine Wine.
Jerome Smith, Partner/Director of Sales
Jerome Smith has an extensive 20-year background in the wine industry, working as a Sommelier and at the supplier and distribution levels. His work experience includes Restaurant Mirabelle, Chateau Mouton- Rothschild, Wildman, Wineshopper.com and Wine.com. A self-taught sommelier, he has served as an adjunct instructor at Northwestern Michigan College's Great Lakes Culinary Institute. Jerome holds an undergraduate degree in film and television from Michigan State University, and a law degree from Fordham University.