Joe Lertch, Neighbor

Joe Lertch has spent almost three decades in the wine industry in middle management and executive management positions in the Wine Importation, Supply, and Distribution segments. Joe has worked with the On-Premise channel of the business consulting with chef's, and restaurateur's to establish restaurant theme, floor plan, menu design, and wine lists, that have achieved Awards of Excellent.

He has taught hundreds of servers the proper way to greet, suggest food and wine parings, and serve guests to enhance their dining experience.

He has held positions on Schieffelin-Somerset's, (Moet, Hennessey, Tangueray, Dom Perignon, Grand Marnier, etc.), National Accounts Advisory panel, the Ridge Vineyards Advisory Panel, and is currently a Senior Judge in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey State Wine Competitions.   

Joe belongs to The American Wine Society, The Society of Wine Educators, is one of 15 "Tastevin" members in the Dionysian Society International, and is a Wine Educator, Event Speaker, and Wine Consultant.

Joe entertains regularly and experiments with food, spice and texture to create imaginative dishes that are visually appealing, and palate satisfying. His understanding of how food, spice, and wine work together, and his enthusiasm to share this passion, has made him a favorite speaker at wine dinners, and wine events, throughout the East Coast.

He has formally served as Vice President of Reliable Liquors Distributors, managing a Multi-Million Dollar Wine and Spirit Division, General Sales Manager of The Henry Wine Group's Eastern Distributorships, and Assistant Vice President, and Director of Wine Sales for the Eastern United States for Frederick Wildman and Sons Importers.