EXPLORE OUR AWARD-WINNING LIST OF FINE WINES, SPIRITS, & ALES
Meet Our Experts:
Leslie S. Britt, DipWSET / CSWS
Wineslinger / Alchemist
Bridget Bledsoe, WSET II
Anna Claire Helfer, WSET II
Leslie S. Britt, DipWSET / CSWS / Wineslinger / Alchemist
Leslie began her love of wine while living on a small Oregon vineyard after graduation from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. As a West coast girl, she never dreamed she would someday have the opportunity to manage a 9,000-bottle cellar on the East Coast or move to London to finish her education, earning a Diploma in Wine and Spirits with the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (the stepping stone for the Masters of Wine). Her love of travel and passion for history has taken her to some of the most exciting and remote places where wine plays an integral part of everyday life.
She believes a wine should be presented honestly, be approachable, unpretentious, and fun. "I'm a story teller at the end of the day." When asked what the best part of this job is? “Hearing the stories behind the labels from the family members who lived them.” And the worst? “Counting all 9,000 bottles.” In her free time, Leslie successfully passed the certification exam and was awarded the CSWS® credential, an established international recognition as one of 284 Global sherry wines specialists.
Bridget Bledsoe, WSET II
Bridget's journey at TREE Restaurant began seventeen years ago, and in that time she has worked her way through all of the dining room positions. In doing so, Bridget realized her passion for wine. With the support and never-ending knowledge of those around her, her dream of becoming a Sommelier came to fruition. As a Level II graduate with The Wine and Spirt Education Trust, she can continue her journey. Wine, naturally, went hand-in-hand with her love of history, which has only fueled her passion for wine even further.
Bridget has many goals for her future at TREE Restaurant, which include expanding her knowledge of wine and the history that accompanies it. She also looks forward to traveling to her favorite wine regions, gaining knowledge and getting her hands dirty. She is very excited to share her wealth of knowledge about wine with all of you.
Anna Claire Helfer, WSET II
Anna has always had a love for culture and travel. Her trip to Italy with her mother introduced her to wine, and while working at The Lodge at Woodloch for the past few years, Anna has made her way through every job in the department. She wanted to challenge herself and expand her knowledge. When she started working the wine dinners, she loved that there was a story in every bottle that was opened, and it inspired her to take her first wine class. This first class awakened her passion for learning and she fell in love and couldn’t stop. She now has her WSET level II and is currently taking the WSET Spirits I course. She looks forward to continuing her wine and spirits journey here at The Lodge at Woodloch.