Shelburne Vineyard is excited to announce August Letendre as our new Tasting Room Manager.

Shelburne Vineyard is excited to announce August Letendre as our new Tasting Room Manager. Originally from Maine, August spent the majority of his adult life in California, residing in Los Angeles and Paso Robles. He also lived in Washington D.C. for six years and is a father of two daughters. August brings six years of wine industry experience, a career he pursued after a decade in film and six years on Capitol Hill. “My wine journey began on California's central coast, where the stunning landscapes, vibrant wine scene, and sommelier courses captivated me,” August shares. “As a rare book collector, I am drawn to subjects with profound depth. Wine, with its similar intricacies, unveiled a universe rich in history, science, and artistry.”

During his five-year tenure at Peachy Canyon Winery in Paso Robles, CA, August gained profound insights into the world of wine. He reflects, “I was fortunate to learn from incredibly generous winemakers who demystified this complex world for me.” The sheer depth of study required for wine, often considered the second most complex liquid after blood, utterly fascinated him. To master this, he dedicated years to intensive study, listening to countless audiobooks and using flashcards to immerse himself in every facet of wine knowledge. In recognition of his contributions, the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance nominated him for the "Unsung Hero Award" in 2024.

August joined Shelburne Vineyard in July 2024 as the Assistant Tasting Room Manager. He holds WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) 1 & 2 certifications and is close to completing his WSET 3. He expresses a strong passion for his work, finding it "incredibly rewarding to connect with people and share my enthusiasm for wine." He particularly enjoys engaging with visitors "looking for a delightful escape," encouraging them to share their stories, and considering it "a privilege to be a part of their cherished vacation or much-needed break."

A particular highlight of his role is educating visitors about Vermont wines. He observes that "many are genuinely surprised by the excellent, distinctive wines our region produces. Witnessing their discovery of our local terroir's quality and potential is magical." August takes "immense pride in championing Vermont's wine industry, which is a testament to the dedication and craft of our winemakers.”