"Let’s pick the perfect grape together, wine made simple, fun, and personal''
DESPOINA KARAPOSTOLAKI
PICK A GRAPE - Your Wine Insider in New York City
Our Services
EXPERT GUIDANCE FOR RESTAURANTS AND UNFORGETTABLE PRIVATE EVENTS
Restaurants
WINE LIST CURATION & DEVELOPMENT
Thoughtfully designed wine menus that align with your cuisine, concept, and clientele, balancing familiarity with discovery.
STAFF TRAINING & WINE EDUCATION
Interactive training sessions to empower your team with wine knowledge, confident service, and upselling techniques.
FOOD & WINE PAIRING STRATEGY
Customized pairing recommendations to complement your dishes and enhance the overall guest experience.
WINE PROGRAM OPTIMIZATION
Detailed audits to streamline your wine list, boost profitability, and refine supplier relationships.
WINE SOURCING & VENDOR SUPPORT
Assistance with choosing the right wines and building trusted partnerships with distributors.
Private Events
PERSONALIZED WINE TASTINGS
Host a memorable wine tasting led by a professional, perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or relaxed gatherings.
CELEBRATION PAIRINGS
Expert wine pairings tailored to your menu and occasion, ideal for weddings, private dinners, and milestone events.
ON-SITE SOMMELIER SERVICES
Add a touch of sophistication with professional sommelier service at your event.
EVENT WINE PROCUREMENT
Let me handle wine selection, sourcing, and delivery so you can focus on your guests.
MEET THE FOUNDER
Despoina Karapostolaki is an accomplished wine director with a deep-rooted passion for Mediterranean wines. Originally from Athens, Greece, she moved to New York City 15 years ago, bringing with her a profound appreciation for the traditions and terroirs of the Mediterranean region.
She specializes in curating thoughtful wine selections that highlight the richness and diversity of Mediterranean varietals, with a focus on indigenous grapes and sustainable producers. Her expertise lies in creating wine programs that are both educational and approachable, making wine an inclusive and enriching experience for all.
Known for her intuitive palate and engaging style, Despoina connects people to the stories behind the bottle, always with warmth, authenticity, and a touch of Mediterranean soul.
Press & Media
Explore features and interviews highlighting Despoina Karapostolaki's contributions to the wine industry:
Featured Interviews
Forbes
A New Chef Brings New York's Amali Mediterranean Restaurant Into the Top Ranks
John Mariani discusses how Amali's beverage program, overseen by the ebullient Despoina Karapostolaki, has been elevated with unique Greek wine selections.
Wine & Spirits Magazine
Despoina Karapostolaki on Expanding the Wine List and Introducing New Wine Styles to Guests
Despoina discusses how she expanded the wine list and introduced new wine styles to guests.
Read the full interviewWine & Spirits Magazine
Despoina Karapostolaki on Greek Wine and Affordable Bordeaux
Despoina shares her insights on Greek wines and affordable Bordeaux selections.
Read the full interviewWine & Spirits Magazine Tasting Panel (2023)
Despoina contributed as a member of the Wine & Spirits tasting panel in 2023, bringing her expert palate to the review and rating of wines.
Bordeaux.com
Strong Women Make Big Bordeaux Bottles
Despoina is featured among influential women in the wine industry, highlighting her role in promoting Bordeaux wines.
Read the full article
Education & Certifications
Despoina Karapostolaki combines deep wine knowledge with formal training from internationally recognized institutions. Her academic background and continuing education reflect her commitment to excellence in wine curation, hospitality, and storytelling.
Certified Sommelier
Sommelier Society of America
New York City’s oldest professional wine education organization. Despoina received comprehensive training in wine service, tasting, and viticulture.
Wine Marketing & Business
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Completed a specialized program in Wine Marketing, focusing on the intersection of wine, branding, and consumer engagement.
Italian Wine Specialist
Italian Trade Agency (ITA)
Certificate of Completion – "Italian Wine – Taste the Passion"
An in-depth exploration of Italian wine regions, grape varieties, and export potential under the ITA’s international wine education initiative.
I’ve Worked With
Over the years, Despoina Karapostolaki has brought her wine expertise and Mediterranean sensibility to a range of acclaimed restaurants across New York City and beyond. Her collaborations span wine direction, beverage consulting, and curated food & wine experiences.
Featured Collaborations
Let’s Connect
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