Melissa joined Skurnik Wines and Spirits at the beginning of 2023 as the Assistant Italian Portfolio Manager where she works with over 100 Italian suppliers (including Paolo Scavino, ARPEPE, Terre Nere, et al) sold in 9 wholesale markets as well as nationally.

Melissa began her career working in government affairs in the Washington, DC area, but fell in love with wine while working part-time at a northern Virginia winery. Ultimately, she made the transition to working full-time in the wine industry by going into retail and has held various other positions including being a sommelier, working in wine importation, sales management, then ultimately moving to New York City in 2022 to work in logistics and portfolio management.

Melissa is a Certified Sommelier (Court of Master Sommeliers), Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW), and has earned her Diploma in Wine & Spirits through the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET). She is also a Certified Sake Professional (Sake Education Council) and is an Italian Wine Scholar candidate.

Outside of the wine industry, Melissa enjoys Major League Baseball and has been to 24 of the 30 stadiums.