Alyssa has been an employee since June 2007, and has grown to become our trusted New York wine enthusiast.  

Alyssa worked for the Cinnamon Stick in Hammondsport where she learned vital customer service skills, and picked up a few tricks on gift wrapping, both of which assist her at Ryan’s.  “The hectic pace of the Cinnamon Stick really prepared me for the Holidays here at Ryan’s,” Alyssa says.  Along with that experience, Alyssa worked at the bowling alley as a waitress and bar tender, greatly expanding her knowledge of spirits.

At Ryan’s, Alyssa can be found diligently stocking the New York Wine section when she isn’t manning the register or assisting customers.  This specialization has led Alyssa to become our New York State “go-to” person, as she knows much about the wines themselves, our inventory levels, and pricing.  “I have dreams about stocking New York,” she says.  Now that’s dedication!  Her experience as a bar tender makes her an asset to customers seeking information on various mixed drinks and spirits, as she’s a veritable encyclopedia of mixolgy. 

Alyssa will be attending the Wine & Spirits Education Trust Level II class in the early months of 2012.  In 2010, she was able to attend a class at the New York State Wine and Culinary Center which focused on comparing New York State wine to wine from all over the world.  She also has attended numerous industry tastings in Rochester, and recently New York City.  She’s toured the Finger Lakes wineries, and even attended several classes at Ryan’s that focused on the Finger Lakes.