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About Us
Since 1996, Saratoga Wine Exchange has provided its customers access to the widest array of wines and spirits from around the globe, from everyday values and premium brands to rare, back vintages and hard-to-find bourbons and scotches. Our deep industry expertise and best-in-class customer service have made SaratogaWine.com one of the most trusted and reliable sites to buy wine and spirits from.
Mission Statement
“We are driven to offer the world’s largest selection of wine and spirits to accommodate every palate, budget, and preference. Our highly educated team will never make you feel out of place, and it is our passion to help you make the right selection based on your specific needs and wants.”
Meet the Team
We are proud to employ the most knowledgeable team of specialists in their field of expertise—a group of people who care about our customers, who love wine and finely crafted spirits, and who are active participants in the community.
Matt Swapp
Owner
CSW, CWE, WSET2
Matt joined Saratoga Wine Exchange in 2003 to assist in shipping and quickly rose to store manager for two years before taking three years off to raise his newborn. He rejoined SWE in 2008 and worked hand-in-hand with Josh (founder) to create the platform that is today Saratogawine.com. He was instrumental in guiding Saratogawine through the COVID years, which shuttered many wine retailers, and to subsequently onboard direct-importing.
Along with being a Certified Wine Educator, and WSET2, Matt has attended four Premiere Napa Valley weeks, including multiple expert level tasting courses at The CIA at Greystone, one of the world’s most recognized schools for food and wine education. Throughout his career, he has built personal relationships with more than 50 of Napa’s best winery/winemakers and has an extensive knowledge of exclusive west coast wineries.
In 2023, when the opportunity arose to purchase Saratogawine from the retiring founder, Matt and JoAnn jumped in as co-owners, with Matt running the production side, and JoAnn running the business side.
JoAnn Swapp
Owner
WSET2
JoAnn partnered with Matt in 2024 to take over SaratogaWine.com as co-owners. Having previously run a residential solar company, JoAnn brought a wealth of knowledge in marketing, logistics, and human resource management to the business.
Prior to her career in the private sector, JoAnn served 22 years in the US Navy, starting as an enlisted nuclear electrician and working her way up to the rank of Lieutenant Commander via the Limited Duty Officer Commissioning Program. During her career in the Navy, she completed numerous deployments on board multiple naval vessels, serving in many capacities from engineer to ship driver to anti-terrorism officer. Her naval experience instilled a deep sense of community, taught her how to manage resources effectively, and honed her aptitude for leadership.
In addition to her extensive business management experience, JoAnn’s passion for wine shines through in her WSET Level 2 Certification, showcasing her commitment to both the industry and her expertise.
Nick Adie
Wine Buyer
Certified Sommelier, WSET3 Advanced
Nick joined Saratogawine.com in January of 2023 as a Sommelier and wine buyer for the fine wine division. He also oversees the Pre-arrival sales program, which focuses on fine wine sales imported directly from Europe. Along with weekly staff educational tastings and instruction, Nick is happy to make product suggestions and food pairing ideas to complement them!
Nick spent the last 20 years in the restaurant business, from serving to bartending, managing, and eventually overseeing two downtown Saratoga Springs, NY, restaurants before spending the last 6 years at Morton’s The Steakhouse as the Sommelier and Assistant Wine Director.
Throughout his career, he has focused on providing superior customer service through building personal relationships with his clients and is always happy to “geek out” when talking wine with clients. Nick has been to Napa Valley on multiple occasions and abroad in Italy. Areas of expertise include Napa Valley, Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne, along with the wines of Piedmont and Tuscany, to name a few.
Chris Culkin
Wine Buyer
WSET3 Advanced
In the summer of 1997, Chris moved to Long Island to work at the Riverhead Foundation, a marine mammal and sea turtle rescue organization. Unfortunately, rescuing seals, sea turtles, and dolphins didn’t pay very well, so he took a job bartending at a fine dining establishment in the Hamptons.
It was there that Chris met someone who would change the direction of his life forever: Dave Sokolin. Dave ran a high-end wine business in Southampton, NY and mentioned that they needed some help. Back then, Chris didn’t know much about the wine business. Undeterred, Dave hired him on the spot.
Over the subsequent years, Chris embarked on a transformative journey, immersing himself in the realm of high-end wines. A passion was ignited within him that remains a quarter-century later and has driven his pursuit of expertise within the wine trade. Throughout this time, Chris has assumed various roles within the industry, encompassing positions in restaurants, distribution, and retail management.
Chris’s commitment to perpetual learning is palpable, underscored by his achievement of the WSET Level 3 Advanced certification.
