Shelbi Herring, Founder
Shelbi Herring founded Copa Fina in 2009, bringing together her experience as a strategy consultant and a passion for wine. As a business consultant, Shelbi specialized in growth strategy, logistics, and finance, primarily in the retail category, working with companies such as Nordstrom, Gap, the Walt Disney Company, and Cardinal Health. While Shelbi began learning about wine as a hobby, she later furthered her education by obtaining the Level 1 certification from The Court of Master Sommeliers, and studying at The Rudd Center for Professional Wine Studies at the Culinary Institute of America. She also obtained her designation as a Certified Specialist of Wine in 2015.
Shelbi’s spirit grape: Cabernet Franc! Why? “It’s hard-working; focused; bold in personality yet friendly in embrace; aims to over-deliver.”
shelbi@copafina.com
Lauren Koenig, Director of Sales
Lauren has been with Copa Fina since 2016, after a long career in many positions in the hospitality industry. Her passion for wine extends beyond the juice in the glass; loving working with people from all of the world, traveling and spending time in vineyards. Lauren is a certified Sommelier, and is on a constant quest to learn more about the world of wine. At Copa Fina, Lauren leads our sales team, heads our out of state partnerships and is our go to ‘Copa Fina Encyclopedia.’ When not at work, you can find her with her adorable dog Woody, enjoying the outdoors of beautiful Southern California.
Lauren’s spirit grape: Chardonnay! Why? “Loves to be all over the world, very adaptable to the surroundings. Arguably the most versatile grape - sometimes light and bubbly, at other times direct and complex. Oh, and moms love me.”
lauren@copafina.com
Tamara Katsarelis, General Manager of Operations
Tamara comes to Copa Fina with a background in hospitality and photography. Her passion for wine stems from her love of food and traveling. When she is not behind the computer you can find her in the kitchen cooking with her wife or trying to get lost in a new country, but most definitely will have a glass of wine in either location!
Tamara’s spirit grape: Moscato d’Asti! Why? “Very pleasant and sweet! Often bubbly, always a good time. I’m meant to live in Italy and be paired with dessert”
tamara@copafina.com
Patrick Cress, Bay Area Territory Manager
Patrick is a certified sommelier and has worked in the restaurant business since 1993. His real boot camp began at the London Wine Bar in San Francisco in 2000, where he learned about wine regions from all over the world, and how wine can age gracefully. Since 2007 Patrick has consulted as a beverage manager for numerous Bay area restaurants. He bought Copa Fina wines for 10 years as a buyer before Shelbi reeled him in to sell wine for the company in 2019.
Patrick’s spirit grape: Grenache Noir! Why? “Grenache is a workhorse, and grows well in many countries throughout the world. It is sophisticated, yet appeals to a lot of palates. The grape is lesser known than varietals such as Pinot Noir, but can be more versatile with food, and can be most harmonious when it is blended with other grape varietals.”
patrick@copafina.com
Josh Onstott, Los Angeles Territory Manager
Josh Onstott has worked as a Sommelier on the Eastside of Los Angeles since 2017. He cut his teeth at Good Measure in Atwater Village and Bar Covell in Los Feliz. During this time, Josh developed a passion for vintage wine, a knowledge of terroir, and an excitement about varietals and winemakers in regions all over the world. Josh first discovered his passion for wine abroad, traveling through Italy, France, and Germany. His time spent in these countries and regions were focused on discovering family vineyards and winemakers to better understand wine making history, traditions, and practices.
Josh’s spirit grape: Chenin Blanc! Why? “I think it’s the most versatile white variety you can encounter in terms of styles and nutritional value. I think it’s under considered. It has so much potential for any occasion, and it’s a fantastic value. I love aged whites! Some say you can age a Chenin for 50 years! Try a 1973 Vouvray!”
josh@copafina.com
Ryan Truax, Los Angeles Territory Manager
Ryan comes to the Copa Fina team with over 20 years of restaurant experience in Los Angeles, working as a consultant, buyer, bar manager, and general manager in some of the city’s most (in)famous locales. His passion for wine is decidedly hospitality-inspired, as he believes the “best” glasses are the ones shared over great food with great friends.
Ryan’s spirit grape: Sangiovese! Why? “Super versatile, with lots of different expressions. Works well on its own or as part of a team!”
ryan@copafina.com
Kaitlin Knupfer, Bay Area Territory Manager
Kaitlin received her bachelors degree from San Jose State University in Hospitality Management with an emphasis in food and beverage. Kait has been with Copa Fina since 2019 in many roles, including administration and accounting. Previously, she was a fine wine sales rep in the Bay Area for 5 years, and also received her WSET 2 certification.
Kaitlin’s spirit grape: Pinot Noir! Why? “I am happiest by the coast and like to keep things light!”
kaitlin@copafina.com
Olivia Israel, Logistics Coordinator / Orders
Olivia graduated from Boise State University in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in Information Technology Management. She grew up in Washington state and is a true Washingtonian at heart. Her favorite season is winter when she can get cozy with a hot cup of coffee. Since moving to Arizona, her hobbies include exploring the outdoors and taking her mini dachshund named Ollie out for adventures!
orders@copafina.com