Carissa grew up in the wine and hospitality industry. Her family owned a wine bar and fine dining restaurant for over 40 years. Professionally, Carissa has 15 years of wine industry experience focused on brand storytelling, marketing and business strategy. She has a uniquely diverse background across all sides of the wine industry having worked for suppliers, distributors and as a buyer, as well as on both the wholesale and direct-to-consumer sides of the business. Most recently, Carissa led the development efforts for one of Oregon’s largest wineries, successfully overseeing the opening of four new tasting rooms. Prior to that, she managed trade marketing for the world’s largest wine supplier and owned a restaurant which she sold in 2019.

Carissa earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Advertising from the University of Nevada, Reno. Her love of Oregon Pinot Noir inspired her to move to Oregon and she immediately fell in love with the Pacific Northwest. When she’s not working, Carissa likes spending time with her family and friends, hiking, cooking, going out to dinner and enjoying a glass of Oregon wine.