Bringing wine expertise to Bedford County
Chef’s Table event at Lakefront Libations. Photo: Provided.
Pairing the right wine with your entrée can bring out the most exquisite flavors in both. If you are like most people, this sounds like a great idea, but not one you can accomplish on your own. Todd Spitzer is a certified sommelier who is skilled in all aspects of wine and he is excited to bring his training to your table with Cru Consulting.
During the pandemic, Spitzer realized it was the right time to translate his skillset into a new venture. “I needed to go out on my own and do what I love, which is talking and teaching about wine,” he said.
“There has been more interest than I’d imagined from people I wouldn’t expect. Tourism in this area has really grown and having diverse options for out-of-town guests is a benefit for everyone.”
“By the time Covid restrictions were implemented, I had passed three Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) levels, became a Certified Sherry Wine Specialist and earned my Certified Sommelier pin from the Court of Master Sommeliers,” Spitzer said.
Spitzer is showcasing his skills at the Union Hotel in Everett. “With Cru Consulting, I curate the wine list, host wine tastings and engage guests about their preferences to pair their meals with the perfect wine for them,” he said.
As Spitzer learns the ins and outs of marketing, he is eager to contribute to the economic and tourism growth of Bedford County. He says that he intends to expand into hosting private wine tasting events and staff training. “Wine is universal,” he shared. “There has been more interest than I’d imagined from people I wouldn’t expect. Tourism in this area has really grown and having diverse options for out-of-town guests is a benefit for everyone.”
Being a new entrepreneur can be overwhelming and daunting at times, but Spitzer had support. “I wasn’t prepared for some of the more nuanced aspects, especially social media and technology,” he said. “The Startup Alleghenies Entrepreneurship Summit helped jumpstart my business.”
“Just take the steps. Start with the first one, have a look around, see where you are, where you want to be, then take another. When you stumble, take a second to brush yourself off and keep moving forward, but when the path is clear, run.”
Spitzer added, “Jen Marsh, the Bedford County coach for Startup Alleghenies has been integral in pushing me forward in this venture. Having her point me in the right direction for resources, help, and support has been key to my budding success.”
Marsh said, “Cru Consulting is a fresh idea that brings entertainment and education to wine lovers from all walks of life. I have personally had the opportunity to have Todd pair wines for my meals at The Union Hotel.”
She says that a business like this needs to be tasted to be fully appreciated. “I have seen him in action with my guests at Lakefront Libations, a vacation rental that I own and manage. Todd is personable, gracious, funny and unassuming. He knows how to read the room ensuring each guest has the best experience. My guests were so pleased with their Chef’s Table experience and Todd that they have booked him for their own dinner party.”
Uniquely curated menu displaying Spitzer’s perfect meal and wine pairings. Photo: Provided.
Being an entrepreneur is a tall order. But Spitzer says his family is the secret sauce that drives his company. “My wife and I have two daughters, and we want them to have the courage to chase their own dreams. One way to do that is to model the behaviors we want them to see,” he said.
While leading by example for his daughters and other entrepreneurs, Spitzer has this advice. “Just take the steps. Start with the first one, have a look around, see where you are, where you want to be, then take another. When you stumble, take a second to brush yourself off and keep moving forward, but when the path is clear, run.”
Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.
