LeeAnn Kaufman doesn’t take herself too seriously. This swashbuckling, leather-coat-clad bachelorette brings a touch of authenticity and enthusiasm to one of Colorado’s premier properties, St. Regis Aspen Resort.
As part of the resort’s tradition, Kaufman yields a sword nightly. The custom is known as sabering, with roots to Napoleon’s dynasty. The cork and bottle top are confidently lopped off in her expert hands to say farewell to the day and hello to the evening with a champagne toast.
The leather coat, that’s just Kaufman’s choice of dress. “I always wanted to be a rock star, maybe a rock ’n’ roll sommelier?” And bachelorette life, well, it’s not the whole truth. There are three others in her life right now: Truly, Dru and Finle, her beloved golden retrievers.
Kaufman was born in California and is the granddaughter of a winemaker originally from Italy. She didn’t set out to embrace her heritage; rather, she became an educator. However, it seems never once in her storied sommelier career has her role as a teacher, mentor and charismatic colleague ever waivered.
Two decades later, with an impressive resume and desire for a lifestyle change, Kaufman is at home working for St. Regis Aspen Resort. Using connections in Napa and Sonoma, she is bringing a repertoire of mighty elusive grapes to the resort. The wine list runs 380 deep, and during the peak season of menu pairing selection, Kaufman might sample up to 20 wines a week.
However, don’t expect her to be snotty or pretentious about the choices. “I enjoy talking to guests using language they will understand, so they actually understand what they are drinking,” Kaufman says.
And, it’s about having fun. “Sure, I miss the beach, however, the smog-free air is Disneyland for the dogs and I. We go on four-mile, refreshing walks each day.”
