Living the Dream: Ferrian Shapiro
Email this article to a friend 
Print this Article
Name: Ferrian Shapiro
Age: 28
Location: New York, N.Y.
Job Title: Wine Director, Otto Pizzeria (one of celebrity chef Mario Batali’s New York City restaurants)
Education: Associate of Applied Sciences in Photography from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York; First Level Certificate from the American Sommelier Association.
What She Does: Ferrian oversees the 700-plus bottles on Otto’s wine list, and is responsible for representing, organizing, and stocking the wine, as well as the accounting, budgeting, and inventory of the bottles and quartinos. Ferrian also creates and teaches Otto’s private and group wine-tasting classes.
How She Got Her Gig: Ferrian’s intense passion for all things Italian has taken her to the top of her industry. “My love of Italy came before my passion for wine!” she says. After a post-9/11 move to Sicily, Ferrian returned home and began bartending at Del Posto (another restaurant owned by Batali). Shortly after she started, she was invited to be a sommelier at Otto, and just 18 months later, she was promoted to Wine Director—a post she has held for six months.
Pass the Prosecco!: While on vacation in Italy, Ferrian got the news that she had been promoted to Wine Director. “I had a week to learn everything, and I’m finally feeling like I’m growing into it,” says Ferrian, who often reminds herself to enjoy her job. “I keep thinking to myself, ‘It’s not neurosurgery. Wine is fun!’”
Power Chord: When the going gets tough, listen to strong-willed feminine rock & roll! Ferrian swears by “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Joan Jett. She listens to it on her iPod on the way to work to give herself an extra power boost.
Father Knows Best: Though her dad isn’t in the wine industry, he’s the one Ferrian looks to for advice. “He taught me if you work hard and believe in something, you’ll get it,” she says. As an industry mentor, Ferrian looks to Morgan Rich (Wine Director of Del Posto). “He’s a genius, engaging and talented—I emulate him.”
This Job’s for You if: You’re organized, have a positive attitude, and can keep calm in a high-stress environment—all on very little sleep. An appreciation for fine wine helps too. “Live the passion,” says Ferrian. “If you love it, go for it!”