Staff

Jimmy Collins, Publisher

Hailing from Bethlehem, PA, Collins has come to call Nashville home after a life involving extensive, worldwide travel. It is through that unique worldview as well as his over 10 years of high-end restaurant experience that he created the idea of Nashville WinePress as a resource to unify, demystify and strengthen the local wine community. Holding the position of Wine Manager at one of Nashville's true originals, The Mad Platter Restaurant, for over two and half years, Collins had the opportunity to not only develop his own love and understanding of wine, but also his uncanny ability to apply these well developed skills to help clients discover what connects for them when they are looking for a wine. Supporting these talents with his years of success assisting clients from novice to connoisseur, he brings to Nashville WinePress his passionate but uniquely accessible, oenophile insights. Insights aimed at meeting his audience where they are at and facilitating their journey into the world of wine.

Angela Hart, Contributing Writer
Angela Hart’s journey into wine analysis has been paved by myriad of experiences, few of which have included, well, wine. Home-grown in Twin Falls, Idaho, land of potatoes, trout and Evil Carnival, Angela moved to Nashville at the ripe age of 18 and graduated from Belmont University with a degree in journalism. She worked five years in the music industry as a publicist for various record labels and independent public relations firms.  Angela took a one-year sabbatical in England where she learned the fine art of drinking tea.  After returning to the States she received her Masters of Arts in Counseling at Mars Hill Graduate School in Seattle, Washington and, upon moving back to the South five years ago, she started a private therapy practice in which she works full time. Among other things, Angela loves good food, good friends, a good drink and a good time. This is what qualifies her to write for our magazine. She enjoys wine in the same way most of our readers do— not as the expert but as the enthusiastic student.

Melanie Armstrong, Contributing Writer

Melanie Armstrong is a Nashville-based wine educator and writer who desires to entertain and empower people on the often daunting world of wine.  She is the creator of Wine University, a successful series of public classes she calls, “seriously fun.”   She is also a teacher of the WSET Intermediate and Advanced certificates in Nashville and Atlanta, and has as been commissioned to develop wine curriculum for Viking Culinary centers across the country.  Melanie spends much of her time now planning private wine events, where she can help you host an intimate wine dinner for six, a high-energy living room party for friends and neighbors or speak to large groups in a business setting.   No matter the venue, Melanie makes the show informative and above all fun! On the media front, Melanie is currently writing for the Nashville WinePress, the A List, the Nashville Scene and a wine calendar in conjunction with The Wine Bible author Karen McNeil.  Melanie is most excited about two different wine TV projects she is currently involved in.  Ultimately she aspires to be the “Rachel Ray” of the wine world, making wine more accessible and welcoming, and bringing her infectious enthusiasm to a global market.  

Sharon Collins, Artichoke Design