Terri Siess is a wine representative with National Distributing. She handles accounts for some of Jacksonville’s busiest restaurants.
HOW DID SHE GET INTO THE
WINE BUSINESS?
“When I was in New Orleans in 1986, I was working in a wine bar. A sales representative who called on our account recommended me when when a position with their company opened.”
WHAT DOES SHE DO ON A DAILY BASIS?
“I call on restaurants and hotels in the area from Springfield to Fleming Island.” Some of Siess’ clients include the Omni, London Bridge Pub, La Cena and Simons Wine Bar. Siess is also responsible for compiling and overseeing the production of wine lists for her accounts.
HOW MUCH DOES SHE ACTUALLY KNOW ABOUT WINE?
“Knowing about wine is a lot like knowing about computers. You can know a lot but no one will ever know it all. Some people are very knowledgeable about European wines while other people specialize in domestics. Let’s just say I know enough.”
WHAT’S HER FAVORITE WINE?
“I love to drink champagne. It’s a great wine for any occasion. You can have it with brunch or you can have it with dessert.”
HERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT WINE THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW
“Most grape varieties produce white juice. Red wine gets its color from the skin of the grapes. Not the juice. Does that sound good?”
HER HOME TOWN?
“Well, I’ve been here for a long time so I’ll say Jacksonville. But I’ve lived in New Orleans and Orange County, Calif.”
IN HER SPARE TIME
“I love to read.” Siess reads two or three books a week. “I also love to garden and listen to music.” When her kitchen remodeling is complete, she’ll be cooking more often. “Did I mention that I like to drink wine, too?”
BIGGEST INFLUENCE?
“Madonna. Can I say that? It’s just that she is a woman who knows what she wants and knows how to get it. I respect that.”
IS THERE ANYTHING SHE DOESN’T LIKE ABOUT SELLING WINE?
“I do a lot of driving to insure that all of my accounts are being taken care of. That’s about it.”
HER HOME BASE
Siess resides on the Southside.
DOES CHIANTI REALLY GO WITH FAVA BEANS?
“Yes, depending on how they’re prepared.”
ANY FAMILY IN THE AREA?
“Actually, most of my family is here. Obviously my husband and son are here. My mom lives here, too.”
— by J. Brooks Terry