We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Miryam Fossati. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Miryam below.

Miryam, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

Yes, I’m much happier now that I am a PassionPreneur, because I don’t feel like I’m working; I feel like I’m doing something that excites me and keeps me curious every single day.

After building a career in product development and international business, I eventually transitioned into consulting. I enjoyed it, and for many years, I thrived as an entrepreneur, but something was still missing. I often found myself wondering: “If I make it to ninety, in good health, what would I want to be doing every day?”

One day, while talking with my parents about what direction I wanted to take next, my dad asked me a simple question: “What do you like to do?” Without hesitation, I answered: “I love traveling, drinking good wine, eating delicious food, and sharing moments with friends and family.” He smiled and said, “Perfect……then figure out how to make money with that.”

That conversation was my lightbulb moment. I reached out to a friend in the wine import and distribution industry, thinking I could apply my background there. But after looking at my résumé, he said, “This looks impressive, but nowhere does it say you know anything about wine.” He encouraged me to take a certification to at least show I had knowledge in the field.

So I signed up for both the WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) and the CMS (Court of Master Sommeliers), not knowing yet which path I would take. From the very first course, I fell completely in love with wine, the culture, the history, the sensory experience. I wanted to dive deeper, learn more, and fully immerse myself in this world.

That passion eventually led me to launch Premier Cellars, where I’ve built a business around what I love most: creating unforgettable experiences with wine, food, and travel. Today, most of my work is centered in the yachting industry, where I curate bespoke wine experiences onboard, design customized wine courses for personal and corporate clients, and provide cellar curation and management services for yacht owners and private collectors. I also teach WSET certifications and tailored wine education programs for those wanting to grow their knowledge and confidence with wine.

At the heart of my work is a commitment to sharing the stories behind the wines I select; highlighting producers who are leading the way in sustainable, organic, biodynamic, and regenerative agriculture. I believe these wines don’t just taste extraordinary, they connect us back to the earth, the people, and the passion behind every bottle.

That is why I like to call it being a PassionPreneur, because it’s more than work. It’s a life I truly love, and one that allows me to help others savor life to the fullest.

Miryam, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Miryam Fossati, the founder of Premier Cellars, a boutique wine concierge service built around my passion for wine, food, travel, and creating unforgettable experiences. My path into the wine world wasn’t traditional; I started my career in product development, marketing, and international business before becoming a consultant. But over time, I realized what truly lit me up was wine: its history, its culture, and the way it brings people together. That passion led me to study with both the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and the Court of Master Sommeliers, and eventually to launch Premier Cellars.

At Premier Cellars, I specialize in curating bespoke wine experiences, from intimate tastings and luxury retreats to onboard events in the yachting industry, which is where much of my work is centered. I also design and teach wine education programs such as WSET certifications and custom courses for individuals, yacht crews, and corporate teams. Beyond experiences and education, I provide cellar curation and management services for private collectors and yachts, ensuring that every collection reflects both the client’s taste and the highest quality standards.

What sets Premier Cellars apart is not just the services but the philosophy behind them. I focus on wines with a story, wines crafted by people and producers committed to sustainability, organics, biodynamics, and regenerative agriculture. These wines don’t just taste remarkable; they connect us to the land, the culture, and the passion of those who make them.

I’m most proud of creating a brand that blends expertise with authenticity. My mission is to help people trust their senses, deepen their appreciation of wine, and reconnect with life through shared experiences. Whether it’s helping a yacht crew elevate their service, guiding someone to earn a globally recognized wine certification, or curating a cellar filled with hidden gems, I want every client to walk away with not just knowledge, but a memory they’ll treasure.

For anyone new to Premier Cellars, I’d love them to know this: wine is not just about what’s in the glass, it’s about connection. And through Premier Cellars, my goal is to create experiences that allow people to savor life to the fullest.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I think about pivoting, I don’t see it as a one-time moment; I see it as a constant. Life, clients, and the world around us are always changing, and as a business owner, I believe we’re always evolving in response. For me, pivoting isn’t about abandoning the path; it’s about adjusting, refining, and growing while staying true to my core values.

My career itself is a story of pivots. I started in product development and international business, shifted into consulting, and then took another leap when I immersed myself in the world of wine and created Premier Cellars. Even within Premier Cellars, I’ve pivoted, expanding from bespoke wine events into professional education, cellar management, and working closely with the yachting industry. Each new direction has been a response to both client needs and my own curiosity.

But here’s the constant: I never compromise on my values. Every pivot I make stays centered on authenticity, creating meaningful experiences, and highlighting wines and producers who are working sustainably, through organic, biodynamic, or regenerative practices. Those values keep me grounded, even when the path looks different than I imagined.

I think the key is to embrace pivoting not as failure or instability, but as evolution. It’s what allows us to stay relevant, inspired, and aligned with both our clients and ourselves.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think what has helped me build my reputation more than anything is networking in person. When I started Premier Cellars, I was stepping into a completely new industry compared to my previous career, so I had to build from the ground up. That meant showing up, meeting people face-to-face, and building genuine relationships.

I approached every interaction with respect, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. Instead of pretending I knew everything, I asked questions, listened closely, and absorbed as much knowledge as I could from those who had more experience. Over time, that openness helped me gain trust and credibility.

What I’ve learned is that reputation isn’t built overnight; it’s built conversation by conversation, handshake by handshake. By being authentic, showing up consistently, and staying true to my values, I’ve been able to carve out a place for myself in the wine and yachting communities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.premier-cellars.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/premiercellarsfll/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PremierCellarsFLL
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miryamfossati/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JourneyThruFlavors

Image Credits

All photos were taken by me or for me.