Francine Kowalsky

As she grew up in the wine industry, it was natural that wine became the center of Francine Kolwalsky’s career. After graduating from Brandeis University with a bachelor’s degree in political science, she chose to follow her passion for wine and food and went on to study at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, New York. After her studies at the CIA, Francine found her way to Frederick Wildman and Sons, where she worked for twenty- nine years. At Frederick Wildman, she was assistant vice president, director of marketing for the South American and Italian portfolios. After leaving Frederick Wildman, Francine created her own marketing and sales consulting company, WineDistilled. Through this platform, she helps companies create strategic road maps for success and serves as their dedicated voice in the crowded, ever- changing wine industry. On her blog, FKDecanted, Francine writes about her life in food, wine and travel, interspersing commentary and stories with family recipes and views and reviews of wine and spirits. Francine is proficient in French, Spanish and Italian. She holds WSET 2 Level 2 certification and is a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier New York.