Meet Our Team
Meet our team of wine lovers who curate wines you’ll love and offer service you can trust.
Jessica Outer
PROPRIETOR
After 20+ years in the corporate grind, my soul finally said, “Enough!” In 2020, a part-time job at Unwined became a full-on love affair; not just with wine, but with the laughter, the conversations, and the community. I traded boardrooms for bottles and never looked back.
Now, as the owner of Unwined & Revel, I’m here to make wine approachable for everyone; no matter your background, taste, or experience level. This isn’t just a wine shop; it’s a gathering place where stories, friendships, and glasses are shared.
My love language? Brut Nature Champagnes, French Syrahs, and Cab Francs. My other loves? Two fur babies, Pinot and Delice.
Brian Acton
Chief Finance Guy & Senior Wine Buyer & Educator
I’m a cautionary tale of an accountant with a passion for food, wine, and travel who happened to have the right bottle of wine at the right time. It sucked me in; couldn’t be helped really. Though I’m a wine geek by disposition, I’m equally happy helping you find that rare bottle you didn’t know you were looking for, or just picking out something tasty to go with dinner tonight.
When I am not trying to figure out exactly how much Pigato or Pinello is too much for our market, you can find me at home playing with my daughter, cooking dinner, and hanging with my wife. We are probably drinking Champagne, Riesling, Nebbiolo, or Syrah.
Sparlin Witt
Director of Operations, Unwined/Revel
Head Cheese Whiz
A native of Alexandria, I practically grew up in museums and early on developed a love of art and culture. I was introduced to the world of fine wine as an event photographer over ten years ago, when I was given the opportunity to participate in one of some tasting events. I was hooked!
I’ve always had an appreciation for gastronomy, not just as food and drink but as a way to learn about other cultures as well. I eagerly took on a part-time position with UnWined in 2018 as a way to continue my education. In my now full-time role, I enjoy exploring and sharing my experiences with our customers.
Gary Pemberton
Senior Beer Buyer
I’ve worked in the beverage industry for almost 20 years now. In addition to buying and selling beer and wine for established restaurants and retail shops, I’ve set up new retail beverage programs in both D.C. and Alexandria, and worked for a wholesaler.
But beer is not just my career, it’s my hobby. I’ve traveled the U.S. and the world, exploring beer in places from Bruges to Mallorca. (Yep, they have their own breweries.) I enjoy sharing my love of beer with customers and helping them learn through their own research, which is not unpleasant.
Lisa Herold
Cheesemonger & Libation Lieutenant
Growing up in both Ann Arbor, Michigan and Aarhus, Denmark, I was able to split my childhood between the United States and Europe. Being able to travel so frequently at such a young age cultivated an early love of food and diverse culinary experiences.
My career in hospitality began in the restaurant industry and eventually led me to the wonderful world of cheesemongering.
In 2020 during the height of the pandemic, I relocated to Alexandria and have been here ever since, continuing to spread my love of all things food and beverage.
In my free time I enjoy snuggling with my two cats, engaging in various creative pursuits, sleeping as much as can be considered socially acceptable, and enjoying excellent music and food with my favorite people.
Brandon Clark
Senior Store Associate | Plant Designer
Brandon Clark brings a scientist’s curiosity and an artisan’s touch to everything he does—including his part-time role at the wine and cheese shop, which he enjoys purely for the pleasure of great food, fine wine, and good company.
With a background in biology and a lifelong love of plants and animals, Brandon blends his passions through his business, Botanic Artisan LLC, where he creates high-end, custom planter designs for residential, commercial, and multifamily spaces. But his creativity doesn’t stop at greenery—Brandon is also an avid home winemaker. Every year, he joins his Italian friends in the age-old tradition of making wine.
At the shop, Brandon shares his deep appreciation for the art and science behind wine, along with a genuine enthusiasm for pairing it with the perfect cheese. Whether he’s talking fermentation or floral arrangements, Brandon brings knowledge, warmth, and a spirit of craftsmanship to every experience.
Peter Fanone
Wine Associate & Educator
At Unwined, I get to do something I love — talk about wine, share great bottles, and help people find the perfect pour for any occasion.
Born and raised in the Mount Vernon area, I grew up coming to Unwined with my parents, long before I knew I’d one day be on the other side of the counter. Now, as a WSET Level 2 Certified Sommelier, I bring expertise to the table, but more than that, I bring a passion for storytelling.
Most days I’m a professional actor, and to me, wine is just another form of storytelling. Every bottle is a time capsule—a snapshot of a place, a culture, and the people who brought it to life. Whether it’s an old-world classic or a funky natural wine pushing boundaries, each sip has something to say. My job? To help you find the stories you’ll love to drink. Whether you’re looking for a casual weeknight sipper or curating a lineup for a private event, I’m here to make the experience fun, engaging, and, most importantly, delicious.
Cherise Baker
Personal Wine Concierge
For Cherise Baker, wine has long been more than just a passion - it is an art, a continuous study, and a favorite pastime. Her approach to wine centers on accessibility, connection, and helping everyday drinkers and connoisseurs alike discover memorable bottles for any occasion.
Cherise’s background in the wine industry spans both retail operations and hospitality. She got her start in wine retail and cellar management, where she focused on inventory, product selection, and personalized customer recommendations. She later expanded into hospitality as a bartender and team lead, curating wine pairings and guiding guests through tasting menus. Currently, she supports retail and tasting operations at Unwined.
As your Wine Concierge through Unwined Events, Cherise brings a well-rounded perspective across retail, hospitality, and event execution. Whether you are looking to curate a personal collection, select pairings for an event, or explore new regions, she is dedicated to delivering a tailored and seamless wine experience.
