Meet Our Founder
Following family tradition, PR Bottle Shop's founder Christina Coulourides has been involved in the wine industry for over 40 years. She shares her expertise below and her approach to wine as an essential part of life.
Q & A with Christina Coulourides
What is your favorite wine quote and why?
“Wine is one of the agreeable and essential ingredients of life.” Julia Child. Julia Child continues to be an inspiration, teaching Americans how to enjoy food and wine thereby enhancing lifestyle. Often her message is delivered humbly, seasoned with humor.
What sparked your interest in wine?
In the 1980s when the California wine country was exploding with development and growth, I became more interested in wine. Although wine has always present at my family’s table when growing up, it was California wine that sparked my adult interest.
Can you tell us how long you have been in the wine industry and how the taste profile of wine lovers have evolved?
My career in the wine industry as a professional began in 1981 when I was employed as the Wine Buyer / Sommelier for The Chronicle (a legendary restaurant in Pasadena, CA). Prior to that, since 1968, I have been an observer of the industry, filing away history and information. My father worked for a leading specialty grocery company and happily shared his knowledge and enthusiasm for wine.
Beginning with sweet German wines (late ‘60s) then on to fruitier/fuller CA wines (mid ‘70s and on), speckled with various import wine styles, the American wine consumer have become very versed and varied.
What inspired you to create PR Bottle Shop?
PR Bottle Shop was created to be the “cellar” of our local community. Offering convenient delivery of high quality wines that expand the knowledge and wine experience
of our customers is the goal.
Do you have any advice or tips you want to share with wine lovers?
As with food, find the best wine (within your pocketbook) to learn about wine and, most of all, to enjoy . “Life is too short to drink bad wine” is my moto. Find a wine retailer you can trust and that offers guidance. PR Bottle Shop is honored should you choose us!
What do you look for in a wine when shopping yourself?
My first and foremost focus is wine and food pairing. What will I be eating when I enjoy this wine? What characters of this wine will compliment the nuances of my meal?
Which wines do you enjoy drinking?
There are so many wines that I enjoy! For a special meal, I always start with Champagne. Dumenil by Jany Poret is an excellent choice.
With fish a crisp Sauvignon Blanc such as Frog’s Leap. With chicken or mildly flavored dished (pasta, salad), a lush Chardonnay, Toques & Clochers St. Joseph Limoux. My favorite reds for richer or red meat meals: Jim Barry Clare Valley Shiraz (easy drinking), Dashe California Delta red blend (versatile), William Harrison Napa Valley Rutherford red (rich), La Fleur de Gay Pomerol 2016 (fully aged/ready, sophisticated).
What is your favorite food and wine pairing?
There are sooo many! If I must choose one, Champagne and lobster. It’s my annual birthday meal.
What has been your favorite wine region to visit and where do you want to go next?
Bordeaux is my “home away from home”. While traditional in ways, Bordeaux sets the global standard for wine quality and is changing with the times. New Zealand is the wine region I hope to visit when we are all able to travel following COVID.
If you aren’t sipping wine, what are you drinking?
Wine is always my first beverage of choice but, particularly in the Fall, I enjoy a good dark beer. Nothing is better with hearty, Octoberfest food.
