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💼➡️🍷 From Lobbyist Dreams to Sommelier Success | Katie Finn’s Story (S2 E8)

By Madison Evans on April 15, 2025

In Season 2, episode 8 of The FEW Podcast, hosts Robert Schein and Madison Evans welcome certified sommelier and wine expert Katie Finn. As the wine manager and owner of the Desert Wine Shop in La Quinta, Katie shares her unexpected journey from studying political science and art history to becoming a leading voice in the wine world. The conversation explores how a restaurant job sparked her passion for wine, leading to studies abroad in Europe and a successful sommelier career despite challenges in a male-dominated industry. Katie discusses her time in Napa Valley, building relationships in the wine trade, and how she returned to the Coachella Valley to launch her own shop focused on education and service. The episode dives into her personal growth, the balance of motherhood and entrepreneurship, and why taking risks has been key to her success. It’s a must-listen for wine lovers, aspiring business owners, and anyone interested in how passion can shape a career.


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