Living the Dream: Christy Canterbury
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Name: Christy Canterbury
Age: 32
Location: New York City
Education: B.B.A. in Finance and a minor in French from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Professional certifications: Diploma of Wine and Spirits (DWS), Certified Sommelier (Court of Master Sommeliers)
Job Title: Global Wine Director, Jean-Georges Restaurant Group.
What She Does: Christy is the global beverage director of Culinary Concepts by Jean-Georges, a partnership between celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and the Starwood hotel chain. In the next five years, Christy will be responsible for designing the beverage programs, buying wine, and training the staffs of 50 new restaurants around the world.
How She Got Her Gig: Christy started out in the finance industry, but the long hours and lack of fun on the job weren’t enough to hold her interest. One perk: She got to sample many expensive wines at client lunches and dinners, which led her to learn more about winemaking. In January 2001, she began working at a wine shop on the weekends, and by June of that year she left finance to focus on vino full-time. She worked her way up to a position as national beverage director of famed steakhouse Smith & Wollensky, before Vongerichten came calling earlier this year.
Easy Reading: To stay up on the wine industry, Christy reads Harper’s, a U.K.-based beverage publication. (“My pulse quickens when it arrives in the mail.”) She also flips through Wine Spectator, Decanter, and Wine Enthusiast because it’s relevant to people who sit in the restaurant.
Work It Out: To manage stress, Christy hits the gym every morning. “It’s my way of pretending I have control over my life,” she says. “It’s like being on a quick vacation.”
Words of Wisdom: “Treat everyone well and keep your eyes open. I learned pretty early on that you never know who someone is, or who they will be someday.”
This Job’s for You if: You’re smart, sensible, and can appreciate a good bottle of wine. (Perseverance and a willingness to work unconventional hours help too.) “The best part of my job is being around interesting, passionate people all the time,” says Christy. “The warmth and generosity of people in the wine industry is like nothing I’ve ever seen before.”