Biography

Laura DePasquale has been a wine import and hospitality industry professional for over 15 years. She began her career in New York City as the Bar Manager and Wine buyer for the groundbreaking restaurant, Arizona 206. Caught by the wine bug, she has held various Beverage Director and Sommelier positions in top locations in New York and Miami and received numerous awards including Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator, Best Sommelier Florida 2000 and Best Wine Program and Restaurant of the Southeast from Sante Magazine.

Ms. DePasquale joined Palm Bay Imports, the largest importer of Italian Wine, in 2001 as the Florida Fine Wine Manager. She was promoted to National Fine Wine Sales Director in 2003 developing a highly trained team of specialists around the country in imported wine from around the world.

Ms. DePasquale became the 13 th Female Master Sommelier in the world November 2004. The Master Sommelier Degree is the highest possible degree for professionals in the wine and service industry. She also serves on various boards and committees dedicated to wine education and is an Adjunct Professor at Florida International University in wine technology. Ms. DePasquale holds a B.A. in Journalism from the American University in Washington , DC and is the Florida State Individual Visual Arts Fellow for 1997-1998 in Drawing.

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