Jessica Altieri is much more than JustJess

Wine doesn’t give us as nearly as much in the way of video blogging as it does in the written format. Video blogging is now incredibly popular and there are a number of certified babe/stars that have emerged from it. Outside of the wine blogosphere, there is Justine Ezarik or iJustine and Marina Orlova, known to millions of fans around the world as the sexy (but often annoying) master of language HotForWords.

There is also, of course, Gary Vaynerchuk at Wine Library TV, The Young Winos of L.A. who occasionally produce some cool video content as well as several others but the list grows short quickly. It isn’t until we stop and look at some very interesting and substantive content from the vivacious Jessica Altieri that we find wine nurturing its charismatic and decidedly feminine side.

Jessica Altieri is JustJess, the only woman video blogger carrying both wine credentials and a real curiosity for where to play and apply them. In other words, a thirst for adventure.

Among other things, she is the Chief Certified Sommelier at WineHarvest and helps lead every facet of the company. Before her gig with WineHarvest, she founded and served as CEO and host of WineChannelTV, a a very cool video and social marketing venture focused on the wine lifestyle.

And she’s got bonafide broadcast and journalism chops. She graduated from NYU with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and is a former NCAA scholar athlete. What we love most is that she has managed to put all of this into a context that is decidedly wine/fun relevant. She is the one of the few woman who believe that wine and football are a match made in heaven. In fact, her videos with ESPN’s The Fabulous Sports Babe are the real thing. The intersection of wine and sports.

JustJess with ESPN Sports Babe from Jess Altieri – “JustJess” on Vimeo.

It’s because of this incredible connection that she has made with wine and football that we reached out to her for an interview. We wanted to feature Jess because she is at the forefront of a movement that many have anticipated but few believed could happen anytime soon, and that is the merger of NFL Sunday lifestyle and vino. Understand, I’m realistic. I don’t believe that anyone is thinking that beer will be pushed aside anytime soon or is in danger of losing its Madden, jocked out appeal but let’s celebrate the notion of bringing wine to the tailgate. Let’s talk about dips for halftime that match Cab/Merlot blends. Let’s summon the courage to take Riedel glasses out while Howie and Terry pontificate. Let’s take it to that next level. This is what she does and right now she is doing it very well.

You’re creating quite a video persona and identity around yourself and wine. So many young women are discovering and embracing wine today and you seem to have tapped into that with both your vibe and content. What is it about wine that you most want to share with us when you get in front of the camera?

“Walk in a stranger, leave with a friend”. Wine and people are one of a kind. Some you know and some you don’t. Grab a bottle of wine you don’t know or haven’t tried. Sit down with a person you really don’t know. You walk away with two new friends! They may not be perfect or life-long buddies, but for the time being, you made two new friends. Find a wine you like, and it’s like a new best friend.

I’ve always reached out and wanted to experience new events, people, places and more. That’s what I believe is behind my passion for wine. There’s new, but old, and plenty to experience. Just like in life.

Wine lends itself to storytelling and listening. Is there anything better than listening to someone in the middle of Africa explain to you how they taught Stevie Wonder to play the drums? I’ve told that story and the story within the story for me over many bottles of wine; and each time with a different wine and different person. And that’s what makes it special.

Does wine lack sex appeal? Vodka definitely has sex appeal and so does beer, at least through advertising. What about wine?

Wine embraces your mood. There’s no “set” expectation. Vodka straight up does. A bottle of 2004 anything has a story to be told. You, the bottle, a partner, group of friends and a story to be told. Wine take guts; not every bottle has the same beginning or ending! Vodka is the easy out or safe bet. Who wants that all the time?

I love to cook and I love food. Wine for me is the centerpiece. It takes some thought and means as much as the food. It sets the stage for great conversation. Wine is like the subway car that gets you there. Its a different experience every time. Know what I mean? Ride the NYC subway to Avenue A and get out and stop at any bar or restaurant. Get a bottle of wine and that in and of itself becomes the setting for a great conversation and dinner.

Who first introduced you to wine and when did you realize that it was such a rich subject for personal pleasure and entertainment.

Wine and my large Italian/Polish family; nothing fancy, but simple, solid and guaranteed to make for a “movie” over a meal. I remember the big jugs at first, then the special bottles, then finally at NYU, shall I say, a whole new world of wine. Traveling to Italy, Spain, Ghana and throughout Europe gave me the chance to meet people, experience wine, food and the special memories that I’ll never forget!

Wine has family written all over it. It can be immediate family, or a “family of friends” for an evening or years. It can be a family for a meal; but at the end of it all, the wine is part of the memory.

We love how you have integrated wine into football. Lots of women love football but guys get the big focus from marketers especially for beer. Can men be persuaded that wine fits the football lifestyle?

So I played some sports and know the deal with beer; its refreshing, its cold and hits the spot; but come on, if you knew the outcome of the game every time that was played, how many times could you watch it and enjoy it? Right? That’s the difference with wine and I think men are gaining a new appreciation for picking out a great wine to enjoy with friends and a great game.

Beer is for college; wine is NFL. Get to a party and serve a great meal, or a tailgating event with seafood, brats, or ribs, and a great fiery red from Argentina is what will get you in the mood! Beer is great for a business as usual event; but I like to spice up the party with having men order from a list what wine matches their team for the game; it’s a little thought into the event; think of it as the game within the game. Cold beer; ok bears vs packers and brats on the grill; Let’s go with Saints vs Giants for the NFC Championship, we’re talking some serious wine for that game!

I’ve met with a few NFL players former and current, and you can look around the wine sites, who do you find on a label…..Mike Ditka! Is there anything more NFL than Mike Ditka and da Bears!

What’s a great tailgating wine?

Kung Fu Girl Riesling ( Charles Smith) !!!! I love it! hits you right in the mouth! Big taste, that “ahhhhhhh” sensation after each sip! One of my favorites!

And Tailgating! Its an event! A feast and a special occasion to get you into the mood for the game; or after the game! We’ve had a great time with new wines at tailgating; it’s a great way to introduce people to try something new! The main event is the game, but the tailgating sets the mood; and most people are so psyched to try something new before the game! Gets them in that “aggressive” lets get crazy mode!

Who in the NFL would you most like to share a bottle of wine with?

I had the chance to interview Eli Manning the year the Giants won the Super Bowl and found that he’s a down to earth guy who would be great to talk to over a bottle of wine. My other choice would be Brian Urlacher, who I had the chance to work out with while in high school during a training session at my local gym. Intense, but real! Both of them are real; in different ways,, intense, quiet, humble, and competitive; in their own ways.