About Us

Allison Levine is the owner of Please The Palate, a boutique agency specializing in marketing and event planning for the wine and spirits industry. With over 15 years of experience in communications, marketing, and event planning, Allison is passionate about the world around her and the diverse people in it. Allison holds a master’s degree in international communications with a focus on cross-cultural training from the American University School of International Service. She holds a WSET Level 3 Certificate from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) and is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers.

As an industry expert, she has worked with wine regions around the world. She has traveled extensively and has lived abroad in Italy, Spain, and Mexico where she developed her passion for food and wine. Her work allows her to live life to the fullest and, as a freelance writer, Allison communicates her experiences in articles for various publications, as well as in her blog. Allison is the US Host for the international podcast Wine Soundtrack where she interviews winemakers and winery owners who share their stories, insights, and some humorous anecdotes, and she is co-host of the YouTube wine series Crush On This. Allison is a judge at wine competitions and moderates wine panels for different organizations.

Favorite undiscovered grape variety?

I love exploring the world of wine and discovering new grape varieties. I cannot say that I have a favorite as there are too many and each one has its place and time. But some at the top of my list are Grignolino, Cinsault, Frappato, Gamay, Pinot Meunier, Counoise, Valdiguie, Encruzado, and Brachetto.

Favorite wine region?

I have fallen in love with many wine regions, but my heart will always be in Piemonte, Italy as that is where my wine journey truly began. After college, I spent six months living in Vercelli, Italy, and working as an au pair. That is where I first fell in love with Brachetto. Piemonte is home to so many indigenous lesser-known varieties, including Grignolino, Pelaverga, Arneis, Erbaluce, Cortese, and Nascetta.

Eva is a multi-disciplinary designer with over 15 years of experience. She’s honed her skills in creating successful campaigns for clients ranging from startups, agencies, fine art, business to business, business to consumer and almost every other industry and vertical in between. Her expertise in print design and production is matched by my proficiency in various digital design tools, including Figma, Sketch, and Adobe Creative Suite.

Her work in branding campaigns, art direction, social media campaigns, and web development has helped numerous clients reach millions of people. Through a deep understanding of each client’s unique vision and target market, she develops creative solutions that effectively communicate the message and leave a lasting impact.

Favorite undiscovered grape variety?

Please give me an Orange Muscat before you even think about pouring a Rosé. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I’m actively campaigning for the full comeback of Malbec, and if you have a steady flow of Tempranillo headed toward my glass, be warned: I might never leave.

I’m here for the bold, the offbeat, and the wines with a good backstory. I believe in sipping slowly, philosophizing at length, and advocating for a more adventurous wine experience where discovery is the norm.

Favorite wine region?

Compared to Allison, I am an absolute rookie. But like any sensible Californian, I do have a soft spot for Paso Robles. I will also put up fists ready to fight in defense of the South Coast of Australia. It is a wildly underrated experience to enjoy a tasting in a garden festooned with wild parrots.

Vicki Tomiser is a Certified Sommelier (Court of Master Sommeliers), Certified Wine Educator (Society of Wine Educators), and the founder of Wine Flight Consulting and Wine Flight Society. With more than 35 years in the wine industry, she has built a career centered on helping wineries and wine businesses grow through strategic partnerships, sponsorships, hospitality, business development, events, and storytelling.

She believes the future of wine depends on making it more welcoming, more relevant, and more connected to the way people gather today. Through Wine Flight Consulting, she helps wineries and wine businesses strengthen direct-to-consumer relationships, develop strategic partnerships, and discover new growth opportunities. Through Wine Flight Society, she encourages people to explore wine with curiosity, confidence, and a sense of adventure.

Favorite undiscovered grape variety?

It’s hard to choose just one. My list tends to lean toward white wines that combine energy, texture, and a sense of place. Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Sémillon, Txakoli from Spain’s Basque Country, and Aligoté are always at the top of my list. Each offers something unique and reminds me that some of wine’s greatest discoveries are often just beyond the familiar.

Favorite wine region?

Like many wine lovers, I could happily spend a lifetime exploring new regions, but Burgundy (Aligoté) will always have my heart. Its wines continue to inspire me with their nuance, elegance, and connection to place. I’m equally drawn to the rugged beauty and soulful wines of Gigondas (Clairette), the timeless magic of Champagne (Pinot Meunier), and, of course, my home AVA of Sonoma, where there are simply too many remarkable varieties to name.