Marsha Palanci

Speaking French brought Marsha to the world of gastronomy. Her first job after graduate school was promoting French wine and foods at Sopexa, where she was the resident cheese expert. Both areas of expertise were part of her early DNA, as she was raised in France and Belgium. Later, she joined Schieffelin & Co—a wine importer now part of LVMH—where she further enhanced her knowledge and passion for wines, promoting iconic brands such as Dom Pérignon, Hennessy Cognac, Ruffino, Simi and Cinzano. An entrepreneur at heart, she started Cornerstone Communications twenty- five years ago and overnight became her own boss. Now when she meets winemakers and winery owners around the world, hears their remarkable stories and tastes their wines, she constantly reminds herself that she chose one of the most enviable jobs in the world. In 2018, she closed the doors of her firm to take care of her ailing husband. Since his passing, she continues to consult with select clients but spends most of her time writing a weekly blog, Tarte Tatin Tales, and serving on several professional and philanthropic boards. She just published her first book, Tarte Tatin Tales: Recollections and Recipes for Living the Good Life, a collection of essays from growing up abroad plus favorite family recipes from France, Belgium, Italy and, of all places, West Virginia.