Meet Erica Aros | Your Friendly Wine Mentor & Owner of Erica Aros Wine Education

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Aros and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I was little and people asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up, I had so many answers: a teacher, a singer, a restaurant owner, a tour guide at Old Town (inspired by a 4th grade field trip), a food critic, etc. I still carry that spirit to this day. I am a full-time director and college instructor at a 4-year university and own two small businesses (private leadership consulting and private wine education). My love for wine started when I was of legal drinking age. I was intrigued by the complex art and science of winemaking and wine tasting and I would educate myself about wine with books and wine tasting at local wineries. When my husband and I were starting our married life in Riverside County, I wanted to take on a weekend job to keep up with our bills, so I applied at a few wineries in Temecula Valley (we lived only 25 minutes away from wine country). I was fortunate to get hired as a private tasting and tour host for a few years at one of the most beautiful wineries with the best French-inspired wines in Temecula, in my bias opinion. Fast forward 13 years later, I’m back in my hometown of San Diego and loving my neighborhood and community. In January of this year, I was feeling overwhelmed with mid-life struggles and discouraging current events and I wanted to find ways to center joy. I decided to start up a neighborhood wine club and pretty much hosted seated educational tastings in my home the same way I did them at the winery. A friend of mine who owns her own small business attended one month and said “You’ve got to turn this into a business.” I had already been thinking about it, so I saw that as my sign to go for it! Running my own side business in hospitality brings out the enthusiastic host in me that I get from my Filipino culture and satisfies the entrepreneurial spirit that has always been in me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My doctoral research was about how mentoring impacts career advancement for women of color working in higher education. My passion for mentorship is why I call myself “Your Friendly Wine Mentor.” When you book a private wine education experience with me, I want you to feel comfortable asking questions, to be curious, and to have a lot fun and laughter with your guests. I believe what sets me apart from other wine consultants is my goal to make wine approachable, affordable, and accessible for everyone. Too often, wine is seen as an elite, intimidating, and expensive hobby, but I believe it can be affordable and that wine is meant to spark curiosity and joy in everyday life. I want to demonstrate that wine isn’t reserved for special occasions or certain groups—it’s for anyone who wants to explore and enjoy it. I’m especially excited about collaborating with local food business owners of color to host wine pairings that celebrate diverse cuisines, like Filipino and Mexican food. As someone born and raised in Paradise Hills in Southeast San Diego, it’s important to me to create experiences that reflect and uplift the community I’m from.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If one of my best friends came to San Diego for a visit, our first stop right out of the airport would be a taco shop, like Super Sergio’s in Sweetwater, Lolita’s in Chula Vista, or Taquizas Los Chuchys in Downtown. Then I would take them to Liberty Station for a wine flight and charcuterie board at Carruth Wine Garden, followed by a stroll and small bites at the Liberty Station Public Market. In the following days of their visit, I would bring them to Mission Beach for some relaxation in the sun and the bustling excitement of the boardwalk, maybe watch a musical or show at the Civic Theater or La Jolla Playhouse, get some amazing food at Pizzo’s Pizzeria in Otay Ranch, Puerto Nuevo-style lobster at Rockin’ Baja Lobster in Old Town, steak and cocktails with live music at the Riviera Supper Club, and a beautiful ocean view dinner at Il Fornaio in Coronado, followed by a bike ride around the island.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband, Andy, has been my biggest supporter for all the ambitious things I want to do in life! When I texted him a screenshot of my official business license, he responded with “An empire is born.” The unwavering belief he has in me and my capabilities to be successful in everything I do is what motivates me to keep going. We have two young children and I can count on him as a co-parent to hold down the fort when I need to be out doing private tastings–just like he did for many years when I pursued and completed my Ph.D. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have accomplished so many things in my adult life.

I also want to give credit to my friend, Melissa Dolo, who told me I need to turn my wine tastings into a business. She is the owner of Pup Rider (https://www.puprider619.com/) and her enthusiasm is infectious!

Lastly, if it weren’t for the winery I worked, Leoness Cellars, and my very first wine book, “Secrets from the Wine Diva: Tips on Buying, Ordering, & Enjoying Wine” that I bought in 2006, and many more books after that, I wouldn’t have the knowledge and interest in wine I have today.

Website: www.ericaaros.com

Instagram: @yourfriendlywinementor

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-aros/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericaaroswineeducation

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/erica-aros-wine-education-chula-vista?uid=-Kzy7r6AUATRxe_2E2kdBw&utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)

Image Credits
https://www.moniquefamisan.com/