Meet Our Wine Experts
Welcome to the Liquor Mart Wine Department, where we have dedicated ourselves to providing our customers with a comprehensive and diverse range of wines from across the globe. From our special Rare Case wines that are in limited production to the every day table wines we all enjoy, from our vast selections of Organic and Biodynamic wines to obscure little treasures that grace our shelves, our Wine Department can guide you through our fabulous collection of Wines.
Not only does our vast collection allow you to sample wines from around the globe, it also enables us to have countless items on sale each week. Our 17 aisles are emblazoned with sale tags in every possible category and price range, allowing us to provide a unique opportunity for our customers to develop and expand upon their palates while refraining from any unnecessary strain on their pocketbooks.
Our wine professionals are always readily on hand and would love to assist you in finding that perfect wine to put on your table. Their experience and knowledge will guide you through the fun and often challenging task of Food & Wine Pairing. Whether you need wine for your secret recipe (we won't tell!), or food for your favorite wine, we have you covered.
So come in and peruse our shelves - we'd love to teach you everything we've had the opportunity to learn. Be sure to ask any of our wine professionals about signing up for our email club, Liquor Mart Locals, or to sign up for our New Liquor Mart Newsletter.
Cardene Otsuka, Wine Manager
"If it ain't Dal Forno, it ain't worth drinkin!"
I was introduced to the wine culture as a teenager and later as a consumer with my mom through many wonderful wine tours in Napa. Working in Asian restaurants I continued to expand my interest in wine and mixology as a restaurant beverage manager. I also recieved my executive wine sommelier certfication in 2006 with an emphasis on my love of the art and science of food and wine pairing. In 2007, I was thrilled to enter the world of wine retail and was honored a few years later as the manager of the store which receieved 5280 Magazine's 2010 "Top of the Town" award for best wine store. Wine is an ever growing and evoloving culture with a tremendous history and I love learning something new about it everyday.
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Robert Brown, Wine Specialist
"Don't drink that. Drink this, instead."
Robert has been with Liquor Mart for 18 years. His quick wit and opinionated stance on the wine business makes him an honest and sure resource for customers and wholesalers alike. He is an essential cog in the day-to-day operations of the department and has a broad knowledge of the wine industry’s trends over the last 15 years - he is a man of many abilities.
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Matt Smoot, Event Coordinator
A Boulder native, Matt joined the Liquor Mart team in 2005 and has brought with him his passion for adventure and love of the outdoors. With a vast knowledge of micro brews, single malt scotch, bourbons and tequila's; Matt has recently been focused on developing his wine palette. Whether you need help planning a wedding or your next rafting trip, Matt's experience and knowledge are sure to solve any of your party planning needs.
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Dan Barsness, Stock Manager
"I like it if it's good."
Dan has eight years of experience at Liquor Mart and heads up the day-to-day product stocking and stacking operations. This behind-the-scenes job is at the core of the wine department’s ability to efficiently move product from the delivery trucks to the floor and out the door.
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Bob Johnston, Wine Specialist & Stocker
"The French make the best wine. No argument there. Although, Spain is really good, too."
Bob has over 26 years of wine experience in both retail and wholesale. He is an excellent resource for wine recommendations, wine & food pairings, and general wine questions. His career experience in the wine business makes him a valuable asset to all of us here at Liquor Mart.
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Kevin Downs, Assistant Wine Manager & Consumption Expert
I developed an interest in wine about 35 years ago and have travelled throughout many of the greatest wine producing areas of the world, and learned a great deal along the way. After a brief stint as a bartender in the Caribbean, I arrived in Denver and got into wine and spirits retail.
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Jessica Schneider, Wine Specialist & Stocker
As a current student at the University of Colorado I have always been interested in expanding my knowledge of various topics. And, being a lifelong foodie, I have developed a particular desire to broaden my vino horizons. Growing up around the hospitality industry and numerous restaurants in the Colorado Rocky Mountains I did not enter this endeavor blind. While I still consider myself a novice on the road to becoming a connoisseur, my time spent in the Liquor Mart Wine Department has given me an abundance of priceless knowledge.
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Wilson Cecil, Wine Specialist & Event Planner
While studying in South Africa, Wilson delved into the world of wine with some serious ambivalence. But with enough time he has found the world of wine to be full of some wonderful people and fabulous bottles. His love of wine has bloomed into affection for whiskey, scotch, beer, and an ever growing number of spirits.
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