Kimberly Charles

What began as an avocation in university where Kimberly Charles was a part time sommelier became a calling when the education bug bit, taking her on a path that included a tireless pursuit of knowledge to this day. She received the Diploma from WSET in 1997, the first group to be certified by America’s first female Master of Wine, Mary Mulligan. At 26, she started in marketing for Kobrand Corporation in NYC, running the PR department, then moved West to California in 1998 to head up Communications at E. & J. Gallo with a focus on the launch of the estate and regional wines of Gallo of Sonoma, securing their reputation and commitment to premium winemaking.

From there, Kimberly established the wine division of Magnet Communications West, a division of Havas Advertising, and formed her own agency in 2003, based in San Francisco with clients in Europe, South and North America. I’ve been privileged to work with legacy families and brands that have worldwide renown.

Kimberly has served as Vice President and on the board of the Society of Wine Educators, Board member of Dress for Success, Trustee of the River Network, and is currently on the board of Les Dames d’Escoffier, San Francisco and is a frequent presenter within the industry.