Today we’d like to introduce you to Tami Wong
Hi Tami, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in restaurants, but 2025 marks 20 years since I began my journey in wine. I started as the first server hired at the 3rd Corner in Ocean Beach. I was surrounded by wines from every corner of the globe. I became fascinated by all the aspects of wine. It is culture, language, geography, geology, history, so many things! I worked my way into a buying position that led to eventually becoming the Wine Director and opening Juniper and Ivy. I was awarded Best New Sommelier in 2014 by Wine and Spirits magazine and received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2015. The natural next step for a sommelier is to go into sales, so in 2017 I joined Estate Wines Ltd and Wine Wise shortly thereafter. In 2020, I started Stay Classy Selections, which is the first wholesale distributor specializing in San Diego County wine and cider.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Most roads have potholes, right? On one hand, I was successful because I trusted my own palate and wrote the lists that I knew were awesome. On the other hand, I don’t play the games. It took a long time for me to realize that not only do I not like managing people, I don’t like being managed. That caused a good amount of strife. I thought I was destined to work in a restaurant my whole life. It was such a relief to find the place where I am fully engaged in the wine trade and work with and for wonderful people, but independently.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Stay Classy Selections is the first wholesale distribution company to specialize in San Diego County wine and cider. I sell to restaurants and specialty retail shops. Most of my twelve producers work with San Diego County fruit, but I do have one Temecula winery, Made By Light, and another that sources grapes from various vineyards throughout California but makes the wines here.
People still think that Temecula is San Diego’s wine country, but that is Riverside County and completely different. San Diego County is home to more than 160 wineries. We have a wide variety of microclimates with many different varietals and styles available. There truly is something for every palate right here in our backyard!
I am proud to support local small businesses by making them available to my accounts, who then have the opportunity to turn their guests and customers on to them.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Perfection is an illusion. It’s good to strive for it, and to continuously improve, but don’t beat yourself up if you’re not perfect.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stayclassyselections.wine/
- Instagram: @stayclassyselections
- Facebook: StayClassySelections
Image Credits
Josue Castro
