NJ entrepreneur recognized by Wine Enthusiast’s 40 Under 40

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Wine Enthusiast named Orange resident Alexandra Schrecengost to its 40 Under 40 list for creating Virtual With Us, an online event company that employed furloughed restaurant workers and sommeliers to host virtual cocktail parties and classes to keep people connected during the height of the pandemic.

“As many have looked for ways to stay connected and engaged online, Schrecengost saw an opportunity not only to help but to provide employment for members of the hospitality industry,” Wine Enthusiast wrote of Schrecengost. “Virtual With Us offers remote tastings, cooking and baking classes, mixology sessions, trivia events and more, so that people can continue bonding and enjoying themselves over wine and food.”

Schrecengost also launched corporate gifting company Culture With Us and is in the process of launching her own wine.

In an email interview with NJBIZ, Schrecengost noted the importance of interpersonal relationships for smooth business operations.

“When you go above and beyond in terms of showing appreciation and empathy for clients, prospects and internal staff – you will enhance productivity, your working relationship and how business moves forward positively,” she said. “Virtual With Us saw an opportunity to fill the workplace need by building, connecting, and organizing an exclusive, high-quality network of sommeliers that companies could tap into for a valuable and interactive cocktail hour and offer employees the opportunity to refresh, engage and strengthen teams as well as client/prospect relationships–all while also providing much-needed jobs and income to the hospitality industry that had essentially collapsed amidst the lockdowns.”

Culture With Us was inspired by Schrecengost’s experience in corporate America and offers thoughtful wine and beverage recommendations targeted to the hybrid office and hybrid retreats and off-sites to support interpersonal relationships and health and wellness amongst employees in hybrid, fully remote, or in person environments.

Schrecengost plans to launch her own wine line, Altrosero, in late September. According to Phil Long, president of the Association of African-American Vintners and owner of the Longevity winery in the California Bay Area’s Livermore Valley, just 0.1% of wine producers and owners are Black.

Altrosero is a portmanteau of her name, her husband’s name, and their two sons names: Alex, Sean, Troy and Rome.

“The wine is a Zinfandel, Sangiovese and Barbera blend that is bold, balanced, and mineral-forward, with spice and herb notes that take me back to my roots in Puerto Rico where the cuisine is influenced by a diverse range of flavors from Spain, Africa, and the native Taínos,” Schrecengost said.

“The wine is expressive on the nose, with notes of fresh thyme, plum, allspice, raspberry bramble, and cherry. The intensity and lush texture on the palate are balanced by juicy acidity, drawn out by a long velvety finish. It’s my hope that by highlighting flavors and aromas that represent my own history, those who open these bottles with friends will be inspired to look forward to the future, and toast to long-awaited togetherness,” she said.

Virtual With Us saw an opportunity to fill the workplace need by building, connecting, and organizing an exclusive, high-quality network of sommeliers that companies could tap into for a valuable and interactive cocktail hour and offer employees the opportunity to refresh, engage and strengthen teams as well as client/prospect relationships–all while also providing much-needed jobs and income to the hospitality industry that had essentially collapsed amidst the lockdowns.
– Alexandra Schrecengost

Schrecengost admires Robin and Andrea McBride, purveyors of the California-based McBride Sisters Collection, one of the largest Black-owned wine businesses in the country, for their work to bridge the gap of gender equality and diversity in the wine world, and Fawn Weaver of Tennessee-based whiskey brand Uncle Nearest for doing similar work in the world of whiskey.

“I do hope to be a model for aspiring entrepreneurs, hospitality leaders and wine industry tastemakers within the industry and continue to open my doors both virtually and in-person to mentor, provide guidance and advice as well as to offer additional connections,” she said. “Putting yourself out there and advocating is key!”