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Every winery we work with is directly connected to the communities we serve – that’s why Grassroots is compelled to build meaningful and profitable relationships between our producers, our team, and our customers. Want to work with us? Get started.

Founded by Nicki and Harry Root in 2003, Grassroots Wine has grown one of the finest portfolios of wine available in the Southeast’s most exciting markets.

We’re forever drawn to wine’s innate sense of community – both the way it’s produced and the way it’s enjoyed. This has shaped the Grassroots philosophy since our founding – we believe it is our role to build a bridge between outstanding, adventurous wine producers and the thoughtful, discerning wine drinkers in our markets.

Grassroots is distinctive because we provide exceptional programming for our customers, thus continuing to build meaningful relationships between our producers and our community. Our complimentary educational trade events are an investment in our community at large, conveying winemakers’ passion with every sip.

South Carolina Staff

Harry Root

President

Born in Tampa and raised in Sewanee, Tennessee, Harry got his start in the wine business in 2000 by opening a wine shop in Chattanooga. Harry’s been known to fly across the country for a round of golf or a good karaoke party (go-to songs: “Brandy” by Looking Glass or Lionel Richie’s “All Night Long”). Harry currently serves on the Boards of The Southern Foodways Alliance, Charleston Wine and Food Festival, St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School, and BevCon.

Nicki Root

COO

Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Nicki began her adventures in life with Harry in 1993. When not managing all-things-Grassroots, Nicki enjoys spending time with the Root kids and animals. Nicki is also a champion bocce player, so you’ll want to be on her team if given the chance. If not, she has no mercy. Nicki serves on the Board of Lowcountry Local First.

Marie Stitt

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AND OPERATIONS, South Carolina

Originally from Alabama, Marie grew up in Charleston. After working harvests in Napa and Austria, Marie studied sustainable food systems in Italy. She then made her way back to Charleston and joined Grassroots in 2012, and she became the VP of Sales + Operations in 2021.  Marie serves on the board of Pay It Forward Charleston. Her longstanding New Year’s resolution is to “drink more burgundy!”

Ben Sharkey

Sales, Charleston

Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Ben found his passion for food and wine while working at McCrady’s restaurant while attending College of Charleston. After graduating with a degree in economics, Ben realized that a career in finance was not for him. His next stop was a fortuitous stint at FIG restaurant, which reinforced his love of wine and led him to Grassroots. Ben lives in downtown Charleston with his wife, Melanie, and son, Brian.

Shannon Lewis

Sales, Rock Hill/Fort Mill

Shannon grew up in Tampa, Florida, and traveled up and down the East Coast, finally settling in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she lives her husband, Matt, and their pet, Lola. Together, they enjoy entertaining and eating great food.

Kate Herron

Sales, Charleston/Kiawah

As a child, Kate was carted all over the world, instilling a love of travel and adventure…. but she always called Charleston home. After moving several times here, there and everywhere, Kate returned home, deciding there are few places quite like it.  She joined Grassroots to pursue her love of wine after several years as part of the FIG restaurant team.  She and her fiancé’ spend any and all free time working on their home and planning their next trip!

Brian Reese

Sales Representative

Born and Raised in Newark, DE, Brian found a love for cooking while earning a Bachelors degree in Finance from West Virginia University.  After spending 10 years cooking at fine dining restaurants in Atlanta and Charleston, he decided to change pace.  He joined the Grassroots team in 2017.  In his down time, you can find Brian surfing or listening to all things reggae.

Carly Sheriff

Charleston Sales Representative

Born and raised in Chicago, Carly was introduced to the wine industry at a young age as her parents owned a Champagne bar. After graduating from the College of Charleston, Carly moved to the Bay Area to pursue her own career in the industry. After working in Napa for a few years, Carly was Director of Sales at a sparkling meadery outside of San Francisco. She has since returned “home” to Charleston with her husband and daughter and is excited to be a part of the Grassroots team!

Cassandre Robinson

Hilton Head and Beaufort Sales Representative

When Cassie is not spreading the joy of wine throughout The Lowcountry, you can find her paddeling the creeks of The May River, gardening in her back yard with Tank (the dog) & Henry (the cat), or rooting for The New Orleans Saints on any given Sunday

Lauren Sandberg

COLUMBIA SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Lauren grew up in Hagerstown, MD and went on to graduate from West Virginia University with a degree in Journalism/Public Relations (Let’s Go Mountaineers!). Her firm beginnings in craft beer lovingly led her to the world of wine where she found a benevolent affection and enchantment for fine wine. When she is not on the go in the Midlands, you can catch her on the tennis courts with her team, ‘Coplon’s Cuties’ and planning her next weekend adventure.

Lauren Kennedy

CHARLESTON SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Originally from NY, Lauren’s passion for wine ignited during the years she spent at a biodynamic winery on Long Island. She moved to NYC in 2011 to work for importer Jenny & François where she brought natural wine to the masses for over a decade. In 2021, change brought her to Charleston; she’s delighted to continue her journey with Grassroots, rejuvenate her love affair with wine, and remember the “why” – culture, community, history, travel, nature & joy.

Thomas Oliver

CHARLESTON / NORTH COAST SALES

Tommy grew up in Ogden, Utah and then Sewanee, Tennessee. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from The University of the South in Economics. Being Harry and Nicki’s nephew, Tommy grew up around food and wine and enjoys constantly learning more about it. While not on the move in Charleston or Myrtle Beach, Tommy likes to spend his time cooking, playing golf, and enjoying live music.

Kevin Hughes

Warehouse Supervisor

Alabama Staff

Alex Correa

Birmingham Merchandiser/Tuscaloosa Sales Representative

Jonathan Thomas

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AND OPERATIONS- Alabama

Jonathan began working in Birmingham’s fine dining scene in the mid 90s. After a stint as a brewer in Lyons, Colorado, he returned to Birmingham to the same great restaurants, with a greater understanding of fermented beverages. He has been in the food/wine/beer industry his whole working life – and recently added “father” to his ongoing roles. JT, as most people know him, loves music, food, wine and his family.

Josie Baygents

South Alabama Account Rep

Matthew Broderson

Birmingham/Montgomery Account Rep

Patrick Sizemore

Birmingham Sales Representative

Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Patrick was introduced to the wine world while working for Frank Stitt at Chez Fon Fon. He started at Grassroots in 2006. When he isn’t slinging wine, he’s spending time with his wife, Meg, and son, Miles, and every now and then gets to bang on the drums.

Beth Farris

North Alabama Sales Representative

Born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama, Beth got into the wine business in 2003, immediately after college. She worked at a local wine shop until 2012, when she joined the Grassroots family. A vegetarian (except for an occasional sushi night), Beth loves horror films, reading, vinyl records, going on morning runs, and her cat, Ash.

D Josh Grace

Birmingham Sales Representative

Born in Washington D.C. and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Josh and his family moved home to Birmingham in 2004.  After graduating from the University of Alabama in 2012 and spending some time in Phoenix and Nashville, he made his way back home and discovered his love of wine in 2017. Working several years in retail, Josh found his place with Grassroots in 2021 and couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the team. Josh lives in downtown Birmingham with his wife, Katie, and their dog, Gracie.

Meg Gilpin

Birmingham Account Representative

Meg was born and raised in Alabama, attended the University of Alabama and then went to culinary school. She’s worked in many restaurants as well as wine retail before making the jump to becoming a wine wholesale sales rep with Grassroots. Married with two beautiful little girls, Meg and her husband and plan their vacations around food and wine.

Sean Faeth

North Alabama Sales Manager

Since his childhood in Virginia, Sean has always been hungry. During college, he worked at a cheese shop where his passion for fermented goods flowered. After a few years in NYC as the Fromager at Artisanal Bistro, he followed his wife to Philly. He worked at Tria Cafe and Talula’s Garden and became deeply involved in the magic between wine and food pairings. In 2014, he got his first job in wine sales at The Artisan’s Cellar, where he eventually became the Director of Sales and Operations. Sean moved to Huntsville in 2022 with his wife and son.  He is thrilled to join the Grassroots team. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, hiking, playing guitar and enjoying time with his family.

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From farms, not factories, since 2003

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