Employee of the month: Justin Gasper

Written by Administrator Tuesday, 25 May 2010 03:04

 Justin Gasper  - Houston Sales Manager

Has been working with food and wine for almost twenty years.  His passion with wine started in his grandfather’s cellar. During his summer trips to California he helped put the wines “Papa” made the year before into barrels, as well as bottle and cellar the wine.  “I remember thinking wine sure took a long time to make.” says Justin.  “It was during that time that he learned how important wine was, especially when shared with family and friends at dinner time.”  His mother and grandfather further enhanced his passion for wine and food passing down many recipes and cooking techniques he now uses. 

In 1991 he moved to Austin working in many locally well known restaurants: Mother’s, a vegan vegetarian food restaurant, Magnolia Café which served healthy café food and Baby Louis a fine dining spot.  During this time, he attended Le Chef College of Hospitality Careers.  The wine and food industry always fascinated him; he paid close attention to their evolution and progress in the market.

In 1997 he moved to Houston and served as a cook in many restaurants around town such as La Strada, The Brownstone and Ruggles Bistro Latino downtown.   In 1999 he worked his way up to front house manager at the The Daily Review Café after being highly recommended by Jeb Stewart (Currently of Zelko Bistro in the Heights).  Among several other duties Justin was in charge of the wine list.  In 2001 Justin created My Table Top Ten Wine List.  It was also during this time his path crossed with Leon Sierra.  Mid-State had just been conceived and Justin was impressed with the boutique nature of the company Leon was building. He eventually transitioned to wine sales joining Mid-State in late 2001.

Justin has never stopped learning about wine, food and how they evolve together in the Culinary and Oenophile worlds.  He continues to work with some of the best artesian winemakers, wineries and vineyards in the world and never forgets to stop and smell the aromas.

Justin is now the Houston market manager for Mid-State.  He is in charge of communication and supervision of the sales force and working with Mr. Sierra overseeing wine sales as well as assisting operations with ordering and depletions.

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