Sherry Wine News

A Sherry Broad in Brooklyn: Stephanie Schneider

Stephanie Schneider loves Sherry. Not only was she was runner up in the 2011 Sherry Cocktail Competition and is the owner of Huckleberry Bar in Brooklyn, which boasts a great Sherry cocktail and Sherry list, but the truest show of that love might be the Sherry logo she has tattooed on her right arm.

1) When did you fall in love with Sherry?
Stephanie Schneider: I was first introduced to Sherry back when I worked at Gramercy Tavern with then beverage director Paul Grieco. I fell in LOVE with Sherry when I worked with Paul again at Hearth. That's when I fully realized the genius of Sherry wine. At Hearth I really got the proper education and understanding of the different styles.

2) Why do you love it?
SS: I love how you can find a style of Sherry that can be paired with every part of the meal. In the hospitality industry we are constantly asked to pair beverages with food, and I love to use Sherry to blow people's minds. It's an awesome way to provide the guest with something amazing and beyond what they were looking for. I go for the dryer styles of Sherry myself. I love the nutty characters, the oxidation, the brininess, the acid and the dryness.

Stephanie Schneider, Owner of Huckleberry Bar in Brooklyn 1 of 4

Stephanie's Sherry tattoo 2 of 4

Gone Fishin' cocktail with Fino Sherry 3 of 4

Perfect Lepanto cocktail, 2nd runner up in the 2011 Sherry Cocktail Competition 4 of 4

3) What makes a Sherry cocktail special/different than other cocktails?
SS: There is a layer and a dimension that the Sherry adds - it's an elevated thing on your palette and in the nose.

4) Who is your favorite person to drink Sherry with?
SS: I love drinking it with everyone! Especially if I have introduced it to someone and then they have an "a ha!" moment with me and agree that it's the best shit ever.

5) What would your perfect Sherry night be?
SS: I would be in Jerez. Hopefully it would be hot. I'd be taking in the salty air. I'd be eating cheese, sardines, Iberico Jamon, and Morcilla. I would start with a Manzanilla and work myself up to some Olorosos (like I said, I tend towards drier and not sweet.) There would be live music and maybe some dancing!!

6) What’s your best Sherry cocktail?
SS: I still love the "Perfect Lepanto" from the Sherry Cocktail Competition a few years back but one of my favorite cocktails is called "Gone Fishin”.