"We had The Casual Somm come to our office for an after-work wine class. Our group had a variety of knowledge and experience with wine and her ability to cater to all levels was outstanding. Her passion is clear and each wine she presented had its own story and background. Instead of the typical corporate bowling outing, Karen creates a unique and creative experience that we look forward to doing again. She got us all hooked on our new favorite rosé!!"
Revzi Business Analytics
Event Type: General Tasting Seminar for a post-workday happy hour
“The Casual Somm was a total hit with our group of friends who love wine. We gave Karen some general framework as far as price-point and wine style and she delivered a unique, economical and tasty lineup that was well-liked by all. The atmosphere was relaxed, interesting in fun. I would highly suggest hiring The Casual Somm for any in-home event with friends. It's a wonderful and fun way to bring people together, learn about good wines, and taste delicious new varietals. Karen made the whole experience fun and easy!”
Jill Liss
Event Type: General Tasting Seminar for a private party
"We had a delightful and educational evening at a friend's home with The Casual Somm! Her presentation was informative and enlightening. The wines she chose were both unique and great-tasting. It is obvious she has a great passion for her profession, and her energy is infectious! Her event was both informative and entertaining. Thank you for an overall enjoyable evening!"
Janet Dryer
Event Type: General Tasting Seminar for a private party
"The Casual Somm hosted an event for my company’s new office party, and it was amazing! Karen showed up well-prepared, knowledgeable, and most importantly, made wine tasting approachable for all of us. She brought a wide variety of Old World wines to share, which felt like a journey through Europe with a glass of wine in our hands, and Karen as our guide. She started off by introducing us to her approach and putting everyone at east. She then told a story about each wine and made them relatable to all of us! I would highly recommend The Casual Somm to anyone that is interested, whether it be a corporate event, tasting, or just a dinner party with friends! She made fine wines approachable to all, while satisfying questions from the most experienced among us."
Christopher Herber / Financial Consulting Company
Event Type: Themed Wine Workshop for a post-workday team building event
"A most wonderful evening with The Casual Somm. Karen is SO gifted - I learned so much from her and admire her expertise and charm! I am in awe of her lighthearted warmth but also polish and wealth of knowledge on all things wine. She was fabulous and I hope to link arms again. If you reside in Colorado - you are ever so lucky - I would have her come host your next event or gathering. There is something so soothing and magical about a near and dear wine tasting. I so appreciate her sharing her passion and love for wine with us all. "
Shannon Gallegos, Cherished cellars
Event Type: General Tasting Seminar for a private party
"When it came time to pick wine and spirits for the open bar at my wedding, I knew right away that I wanted the help of Karen from The Casual Somm. My fiance and I were excited that we could bring in outside product and customize our bar selection, but we didn't know where to start. Karen was a pleasure to work with and extremely knowledgeable about the types of wine we should serve when it came to the venue, the weather, the food, and the budget. We ended up with a unique selection of wines, which she seamlessly coordinated with the local liquor store in Steamboat Springs, CO. Otto's Constant Dream, the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc she chose for our line-up, is now one of my favorite wines! She even worked out a payment snafu the day of the wedding - which was above and beyond! I would highly recommend The Casual Somm for curating wine and other spirits for your special occasion."
Amelia Eudaily
Event Type: Consulting Services for a wedding
"As someone who doesn't know wine well but knows when good wine hits my palate, The Casual Somm was perfect for me and my wedding. Amidst the chaos of planning a wedding, she researched and selected high-end Burgundies from across state lines at a small, local, well-respected wine shop, which freed up my time to deal with other things. She planned and executed in a highly efficient and effective manner. When the wedding day arrived, I didn't have to think twice about the selection - guests were raving about the choices all day! She gave a professional and charismatic, yet light-hearted introduction to the wines and then managed service flow during the event while also attending as a guest. Frankly, I didn't think about The Casual Somm until after the wedding when I expressed my sincere thanks because her work was so seamless and beyond what I had ever envisioned!"
Kathleen Campbell
Event Type: Consulting Services for a wedding
"We wholeheartedly endorse The Casual Somm! Tasked with a 48-hour turnaround to select and provide wine for an event with 50+ attendees, The Casual Somm exceeded all our expectations. We are a firm filled with various international palates, preferences, and strong opinions when it comes to wine, so this was no easy feat to coordinate! The Casual Somm is whip smart, professional, and amenable. She listened and adhered to budget and preference while making suggestions and selections that hit all the right nodes. The wine was the hit of the event as she provided an excellent array of selections that were in line with our wishes and delightfully new to even our most well-versed wine winos!
There is nothing “casual” however about her passion and understanding of wine! While her depth of knowledge is beyond impressive, what is truly remarkable is her ability to convey that knowledge tangibly for all. As many know, selecting wine can be intimidating, with judgements and “wine snobs” a plenty. This not the case with The Casual Somm. No preference, price, or region is beneath her. She aims to understand, educate, and expand her customers palates. Her approachability, excitement for all things wine, and earnest energy were delightful! We will most definitely use The Casual Somm again and again and again!"
MARTINE Ventello / global private equity fund
Event Type: Consulting Services for a corporate office party