Tastemaker Susan Brink
By David Beebe
WHERE TO FIND HER: Venokado Wine & Gift Shop in West Hollywood, which she co-owns with her sister Molly Brink and friend Tracy Hof.
WHERE SHE GOT HER START: Susan opened AOC as a manager and worked there for 2 1/2 years before moving on to Dominick’s on Beverly Blvd. There, she served as Wine Director and still oversees the wine list at both Dominick’s and Little Dom’s in Los Feliz. She also chose the original wine list for Cecconi’s on Melrose.
MENTORS: Caroline Styne of AOC, Lucques, and Tavern, who challenged her to try new varietals.
WHAT KEEPS HER GOING: Even though she is a certified Sommelier, she learns something new everyday. She finds that truly exciting.
THE LOCAL WINE SCENE IN LOS ANGELES: Enthusiastic. Young. Open-minded. Fresh. Invigorating. Smart.
PICKING WINE FOR NEW CUSTOMERS: She usually starts new customers with fuller bodied wines which tend to be more approachable, such as a California Syrah. When they return for more, she will use their feedback to guide them to something new.
ADVICE FOR NEWBIES: Keep notes and document each wine you taste. Don’t get overwhelmed. It’s all about buying that first bottle, the first sip, and starting to explore from there.
WHAT SHE’S DRINKING NOW: A gothic wine from Umbria called Scacciadiovoli Montefalco Sagrantino. It’s brooding, deep, profound and thoughtful. Perfect for Fall. Deep earth, iron, leather…like an ancient room with a coat of arms, high wooden and leather chairs and metal grommets. The only bright spot in the wine is some stewed cherries covered in bittersweet chocolate.
THE PERFECT DAY OFF: Just that, a day off!
