“Having worked in the industry for 10 years now, and starting from the ground up, I know the labor and love that goes into a great bottle of wine.  Especially the great Finger Lakes wines in our own backyard.” - Stephanie Rudat

Stephanie has been the General Manager of Ryan’s since September 2010, though she has worked as our lead Marketing Director since October 2008.    

Her career has focused on customer service, event planning, and of course, wine.  As a Supervisor at Hyatt Hotels in Rochester, she gained critical experience in a fast-paced customer service environment.  Working for Jillian’s Entertainment in Rochester’s High Falls District gave her the opportunity to hone her event planning and marketing skills.  And finally, her time with Casa Larga Vineyards gave her a broad introduction into the world of wine.  “Working for a winery is by far, the best and I think the only way, to truly learn how wine is made,” Stephanie says, adding “nothing compares to becoming a ‘cellar dweller’ as we called ourselves!”

In her tenure at Ryan’s, Stephanie has initiated many transformative projects which have benefited customers and employees alike, including our free wine classes, weekly newsletter, Staff Pick section, and more recently the televised segment “Ryan’s Wine on Demand.”  In addition to her duties of managing the staff, she also handles all inventory purchasing and marketing endeavors.  Furthermore, she maintains the Ryan’s website, Facebook page, and Twitter account.

Stephanie earned the Wine & Spirits Education Trust Level II certification in 2010.  Ryan’s has taken her to numerous industry tastings in Rochester, New York City, and even South Africa.  Next stop: California’s legendary wine country!

Read her fun travel blog and see pictures from her wine expedition to South Africa!  CLICK HERE 

Ryan's Wine on Demand: Organic & Sustainably Farmed Wines WATCH NOW!

Ryan's Wine on Demand: Holiday Wine & Food Pairing WATCH NOW!