SIX QUESTIONS WITH MERIDITH MAY

Meridith May - Publisher & Executive Editor of The Tasting Panel, Somm Journal, and Clever Root magazines

Meridith May is a publishing powerhouse in the wine and spirits world. She is the publisher and executive editor of The Tasting Panel magazine, which is the most widely circulated trade publication in the beverage industry. She also holds the same titles at the SOMM Journal and The Clever Root magazines. 

Since day one, Meridith has been an enthusiastic supporter of Wine Speak Paso Robles and will return in 2019 as a featured panelist. We recently caught up with her to learn more about her journey—and her thoughts on Wine Speak:

What did you want to be when you were a child?

A magazine publisher or a secret agent!

Name the biggest overall lesson you've learned in running a business?

Be fair to employees—they make life easier for me

What called you to your field of work? Talk about the journey?

I started in media in 1977 working for a Los Angeles radio station. Through my dealings with on-air promotions, I had the opportunity to meet some chefs for the listener appreciation dinners we held—and that turned into a food review show and then a restaurant column in a newspaper. From there, I became editor of a top California wine and spirits trade publication, which I eventually bought and turned into The Tasting Panel along with business partner Anthony Dias Blue. I then revived the Sommelier Journal and renamed in the Somm Journal, and most recently started The Clever Root magazine.

What is a fear or professional challenge that keeps you up at night?

Cash flow.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Start a savings account right away.

You attended Wine Speak in 2018, what made it special and why are you excited to participate in 2019? 

The depth and breadth of wine professionals, education and networking was priceless. The location was wonderful! I am so excited to be on a panel in 2019.

May Speaking at Wine Speak's Wine 101 Workshop