Where Wine Meets Story

A woman with shoulder-length wavy brown hair, smiling, wearing a tan jacket over a white shirt, standing outdoors with blurred green foliage background.

Story behind the glass

“Wine is more than what’s in the glass—it’s history, heritage, and a sense of place.

I founded Fieldnotes Wine to bring these worlds together. With a PhD in Archaeology from Stanford, years spent living and researching in Europe (from Italy and France to heritage sites in Albania), and a career teaching European History and Latin, I’ve devoted my work to uncovering and telling the stories that shape culture.

I also bring a background in human-centered research—also known as UX research, the study of how people think, feel, and engage with the world and its products. During my years as a UX Researcher at Meta, I learned how to uncover what truly resonates with people, and I now bring that same approach to help vineyards create experiences that connect and inspire their audiences.

Today, I combine these passions—consulting for vineyards, hosting private wine tastings and pairing events, and creating approachable, story-driven wine education for curious beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike.

Every bottle has a story. My work is about bringing those stories to life” -Dana Phelps, Founder and Owner of Fieldnotes Wine

Wine Tastings, Research, & Storytelling

  • Two dark glass bottles with cork stoppers placed on a wooden barrel outdoors, with green foliage and a cloudy sky in the background.

    Vineyard, Importer & Wine Business Research

    Harness the power of human-centered research to uncover how people connect with your wines and your brand. Through tailored insights and actionable strategies, I help vineyards, importers, wine shops, and hospitality businesses create experiences that feel authentic, keep customers coming back, and grow a loyal community—glass after glass.

  • Four glasses of different colored wine on a wooden barrel, from left to right: white, rosé, red, and black.

    Wine Education & Tastings

    Curated classes and private tastings that bring wine to life through approachable education and rich cultural context. Whether it’s an intimate gathering, a team event, or a virtual session, I create experiences that deepen understanding, spark conversation, and leave guests feeling connected—to each other, and to every glass they pour.

  • Ruins of an old stone church or monastery with large arched windows and a garden with rows of young plants in the foreground.

    Heritage Research & Storytelling

    I bring my background in archaeology, cultural heritage, and anthropology to help wineries, importers, and wine-focused businesses uncover and share the deeper stories of their regions and traditions. Together, we create authentic narratives that strengthen your brand, connect with your audience, and celebrate the soul of your wines.

Follow me on social

Three people walking through a vineyard on a sunny day.
Person pouring white wine into glass at a table with several glasses of red wine, with other people smiling and socializing in the background.
Top-down view of two people sitting at a round wooden table with various bottles of wine and a glass of red wine in the center. One person is reaching for a bottle on the right, and the other is holding a glass of red wine.

Book a wine chat

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and I will be in touch shortly. I can’t wait to hear from you!