Exclusive Q&A with American Fine Wine Competition President Shari Gherman: Insights and Behind-the-Scenes Revelations

Shari Gherman has successfully merged her passion for fine wine with philanthropy.

As the president and co-founder of the American Fine Wine Competition (AFWC) for over 18 years, she has not only championed the pursuit of premier wines but also raised more than $1 million for various charitable causes, including disease research and animal welfare. Her commitment to animal advocacy is evident in her efforts to trap, spay, and neuter numerous cats, along with significant contributions to various dog and cat rescues.

The AFWC is renowned for its standout events, The Invitational and THE Rosé. The Invitational is a prestigious, invitation-only event showcasing top American wines, hosted annually at the FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality in North Miami Beach. In contrast, THE Rosé provides a platform for a broader range of participants to present the finest rosés from around the globe.

“Our aim is to highlight wines that demonstrate the pinnacle of American vine-growing and winemaking,” explains Gherman. “Only wines that have undergone a rigorous selection process by the AFWC Acquisitions Team are invited to The Invitational. We ensure the utmost integrity in our blind tasting, conducted by a panel of diverse industry experts.”

A sommelier with a rich and varied background, Gherman delights in spreading her enthusiasm for wine and her extensive knowledge from over three decades in the industry, which spans roles in marketing, distribution, supply, advertising, and wine judging.

At the AFWC’s latest Zinner Dinner event held in July at Deerfield Beach, the focus was on supporting Pooches in Pines, a dog-rescue organization. However, Gherman’s dedication to animal welfare doesn’t stop there; she is a proud owner of two rescued dogs and three and a half rescued cats, with Pharrell the feral cat residing outside her bedroom window.

The upcoming event, known as One Thousand Bottles, will take place on January 19 at the Chaplin School. It promises to showcase “hundreds and hundreds and hundreds” of wines from across the United States alongside culinary delights from more than a dozen local eateries. The event will also feature auctions with prizes like trips to Wine Country and wine baskets. For more information, visit americanfinewinecompetition.org.

Gherman, who lives in Hollywood, is a mother of four adult children and has five grandchildren. Her response to our Quote Unquote questionnaire comes with a celebratory toast.

Aside from the weather, what do you enjoy most about South Florida?

I am originally from North Miami Beach, and despite having lived in great cities like New York and Los Angeles, South Florida has always pulled me back. My favorite aspect has to be the beach. During my high school days, we would often hitch rides to Sunny Isles Beach to relax by the sea with friends after school. When I turned 16, I got a Firebird Formula 400, distinguished by its metallic horse emblem, and it became a tradition to pile friends into the car and head to Haulover Beach to see the sunrise. South Florida feels like home.

Aside from the weather, what do you dislike most about South Florida?

Traffic!

Are you a beach person or a pool person?

I enjoy both settings immensely. The beach is always a delight, yet there’s something uniquely relaxing about sitting by my own pool with a glass of wine in hand, soaking up the sun.

When in your life are you or have you been the happiest?

The peak of my happiness was when I connected deeply with my husband, Joel. A cherished memory is our unconventional ‘surprise wedding’ where we invited friends to what they thought was merely a wine tasting, only to reveal it was our wedding ceremony as we walked in with a rabbi. The event was deeply moving for everyone involved. Joel’s passing last April after battling ALS for three years marked the end of our incredible 25 years together.

What do you do when you’re stuck in a traffic jam on I-95?

I sing as loud as I can to the sounds of the ’60s and ’70s. I also curse a bit.

What music are you listening to now?

See above. I just love ’60s and ’70s music.

Are you a fan, and if so, of what?

I admire winemakers profoundly. Their skilled craftsmanship transforms simple grapes into celebrated bottles of wine, delivering joy and artistry. Reflecting on words by the esteemed wine critic Eric Asimov, ‘I want to stand up for the beauty and joy of wine, which has been embraced by humans since the dawn of civilization.’

If you had to choose: Beatles or Stones?

Beatles. In the ’80s, I had the fortune of meeting Paul McCartney while working as a bartender at a country club where he was a guest. Noticing him at the bar and being an ardent fan, I seized the moment — a decision that ended my bartending job as I was fired for ‘fraternizing with a guest.’ Yet, this led me to pursue my ‘real’ career, undeniably a worthy trade-off.

What are your social media usernames?

Shari Gherman and American Fine Wine Competition on Facebook.

Apple or Android?

Apple. What’s an Android?

Who is your real-life hero or heroine?

Joel, my spouse, stands as my hero. Gifted, immensely intelligent, empathetic, persevering, benevolent, and exceedingly affectionate — he embodied all these traits. Numerous students, under his guidance as an esteemed professor of hospitality at Florida International University, cherished his mentorship. Most importantly, he was my staunchest supporter.

What car are you driving now?

I currently drive a Lincoln Navigator. It’s not the most eco-friendly choice, but it excellently accommodates numerous cases of wine.

If you had to choose: Rocky or Raging Bull?

I’d go with Rocky. Interestingly, it’s also the name of my dog, though not inspired by Sylvester Stallone’s famed character. With all due respect to Robert De Niro, I don’t think I’ve ever watched Raging Bull.

What do you like most about yourself?

My determination and optimism stand out the most. I’m often told that I inspire others. Regardless of the hurdles, I tend to keep moving forward with a positive outlook. It’s all about turning the sour moments sweet. Plus, I am proud to flaunt stunning stilettos which showcase my great legs, even at 66! (Is that okay to mention?)

What places in South Florida do you recommend to guests visiting from out-of-town?

As someone with a great love for food and wine, I recommend exploring some of the top-notch restaurants and wine bars we have here. I often take visitors to show off my home wine cellar, which I’m proud to say features an impressive selection of wines, and I enjoy cooking up delicious meals for my guests.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I would like to be more patient. My energetic and proactive nature means I am always on the go, pushing others to keep up. However, I realize they might not always match my pace, which is when I need to take a moment to breathe, relax, and smile.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Founding the American Fine Wine Competition stands out as my most significant accomplishment. Initiated from a sheer love for wine and an impulsive decision, this competition has grown to be the most prestigious in the nation. In collaboration with the FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality, we provide students the chance to work closely with us as ‘Wine Angels,’ supporting all aspects of the competition. Nearly seven years ago, we introduced THE Rosé Competition. Post judging, we organize several wine-tasting events annually to fundraise for notable charities. Through these events, we have successfully donated over $1.1 million to various causes including animal welfare, veteran support, women’s issues, and health challenges like childhood diseases, ALS, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.

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About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!