Jaime Alicea initially pursued a path in culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University, but a serendipitous encounter with Catherine Rabb, former chef-instructor at JWU and respected wine expert, ignited her passion for wine. Rabb passed away in 2021, but her influence inspired Alicea to enroll in JWU’s Sommelier program, setting the stage for a remarkable career in the wine industry.

After sharpening her skills at lauded restaurants around North Carolina, Alicea was introduced to Counter-’s executive chef and owner Sam Hart in 2022 and joined the team as sommelier.

For Alicea, the allure of the wine industry lies in the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life. “The amount of people I meet on a daily basis from around the world is truly amazing,” she says. “Being able to be a part of sharing their story is my favorite part of my job.”

As sommelier, Alicea elevates the dining experience, embodying the spirit of innovation and collaboration. Through intuition and thoughtful selection, she enjoys introducing guests to high-quality wines that may not be on their radar.

For her, community within the hospitality industry is not just a source of strength but a platform for celebrating each other’s successes. “I don’t know where I would be if I didn’t have my industry people that I can count on. It is so important to surround yourself with those who wish you to do great things.”

When not working, Alicea enjoys activities that allow her to decompress. This includes traveling with her husband Alex, hiking, paddle boarding, spending time with her huskies, and discovering new wine bars and coffee shops.

As she continues to make her mark on the city’s culinary landscape, Alicea’s experience is an inspiration to savor each moment and embrace the beauty of discovery.

Counter-
2001 W. Morehead Street, Suite D, Charlotte
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