2019
Discovering Santa Barbara wine country
With no previous wine-industry experience, Danielle joined a local 5,000-case boutique winery and learned both tasting-room hospitality and cellar work.
MY STORY
From an unexpected winery opportunity to a life in wine.
Danielle’s wine journey began in Santa Barbara County in 2019 and grew through hands-on winery experience, formal study, wine education, and hospitality leadership.
DANIELLE MASTALIR
I started with no wine-industry experience—only a willingness to learn.
A friend’s simple suggestion led me to a small boutique winery, where the tasting room and cellar changed the direction of my career.
In 2019, after moving to Santa Barbara County, I was unsure what my next chapter would be. A friend suggested the wine industry, so I asked a local 5,000-case boutique winemaker if they needed help. I began with everyday tasting-room responsibilities and soon had the opportunity to learn in the cellar. That experience made me want to build a career in wine.
During the COVID years, I worked with several Central Coast wineries and progressed to Assistant Estate Manager while pursuing WSET coursework. Wanting to return to hospitality, I completed the Introductory Sommelier Course through the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas, and developed wine courses on Rioja DOCa, Oregon, Washington, viticulture, and other subjects through Napa Valley Wine Academy.
In 2023, I became a Certified Sommelier and later served as Beverage Manager at Morton’s in Honolulu. After returning to Colorado Springs, I worked as a general manager at a Broadmoor Hotel restaurant before creating The Cellar Master. Today, I offer tastings, bridal showers, corporate events, and other private wine experiences while continuing my Advanced Sommelier studies.
CENTRAL COAST
Hands-on winery growth
She worked with several Central Coast wineries, advancing to Assistant Estate Manager while pursuing WSET coursework.
WINE EDUCATION
Studying and teaching wine
Danielle completed the Introductory Sommelier Course and developed courses on Rioja DOCa, Oregon, Washington, viticulture, and other subjects through Napa Valley Wine Academy.
2023
Certified Sommelier and beverage leadership
She became a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas, then served as Beverage Manager at Morton’s in Honolulu.
TODAY
The Cellar Master
Back in Colorado Springs, Danielle created The Cellar Master to offer tastings, bridal showers, corporate events, and other private wine experiences while continuing her Advanced Sommelier studies.
WINE EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Serious study, shared with warmth.
Danielle’s approach is grounded in hands-on winery work, formal wine study, professional course development, and hospitality leadership.
WSET Coursework
Wine & Spirit Education Trust
Certified Sommelier · 2023
Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas
Assistant Estate Manager
Central Coast winery experience
Napa Valley Wine Academy
Professional wine course development
Advanced Sommelier Studies
Continuing professional path
WHY THE CELLAR MASTER
Wine experiences shaped by a genuine journey.
I created The Cellar Master to share the hospitality, education, and stories that first drew me into wine.
My goal is to make every tasting and event personal, welcoming, and approachable.
WELCOME IN
Let’s create something memorable together.
Begin with a complimentary 30-minute consultation and tell Danielle what you would love to experience.