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French Wines from Independent Vintners for the Independent Thinker

Aliane

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“ I have facilitated the development of some of the world's newest biotechnology. Now, I'm helping to bring one of the world's oldest biotech businesses, wine, to markets in California! I have always had a fascination with food - my Spanish grandmother taught me to cook at an early age and there was no better way to serve food than with wine.  Early in my career I was a Registered Dietitian. My fascination with wine began when I took an extension course at Harvard in 1976. Once I started, I never stopped; I continued to study wine and its history. Over the years, I've traveled to virtually every major wine region, tasting and collecting. My husband and I have about 1,000 bottles in the "cave" at our Point Loma home.

 

In July 2009, I passed my level 3 Sommelier Diploma with the International Sommelier Guild ("ISG"). I obtained my Business of Wine Certificate program at San Diego State University in 2009 and spent time studying at UC Davis in their Wine Marketing program in July 2007. I have been told I have an unusually acute sense of smell and the ISG's program of tutored tasting events has continued to develop my palate; I'm more aware and open to new tastes. I love pairing wines with food.

 

In addition to being a partner in Aliane, I am President of NCE Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a small agricultural biotech firm focused on developing antifungal and antibacterial protein-based compounds. I also serve as the Chief Financial Officer of an investment firm I co-founded in 2006, KI Investment Holdings. Before that, I was Chief Financial and Administrative Officer of Salmedix, Inc., a San Diego-based drug development company where I successfully assisted the CEO in growing the company from its start in 2001 to a $200 million sale to Cephalon in 2005. I have a B.S. from Cornell University, and an MBA from Simmons Graduate School of Management. I obtained my CPA in 1983 while working in public accounting.  I have an extensive background as a start-up executive, and serve on a number of corporate and non-profit boards.

 

My formal business background has always been both theoretical and empirical as well as detail-oriented. I've worked in fields where intellectual property is rigorously protected. By contrast, in the wine business, I (almost literally!) have to go with my gut.

 

People ask me if turning my passion into my work has ruined it for me, but it's the opposite. Forming Aliane has increased my appreciation for wine. The industry is diverse and constantly changing. There will always be great "undiscovered" wines for us to bring to market and every tasting is an adventure. ”