A North Carolina native, Conrad Hunter spent the 80s and 90s as a professional touring musician and recording studio owner, traveling the world and honing an appreciation for culture, craftsmanship, and connection. His passion for wine began in 1988 while helping a friend open Charlotte’s first open-kitchen brasserie, The Artist’s Cafe, where he was introduced to the art of pairing great food with memorable wines. When the music industry shifted in the late 90s, Conrad traded guitars for corkscrews, channeling his creative energy into opening the first Foxcroft Wine Co. in Charlotte’s Foxcroft neighborhood in 2004. Over the past 20 years, he has grown the concept into a celebrated food and wine destination with multiple locations under the Foxcroft Food & Wine brand. Known for his warm hospitality and deep knowledge, Conrad remains committed to making wine approachable and enjoyable for all.

Shawn Paul is a Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers and holds certification in Advanced Blind Tasting from the American Sommelier Society. A native of central Maine, Shawn studied Classics, Philosophy and French at Clark University in Worcester, MA and spent an academic year in Dijon, France. Shawn has more than 15 years of experience in Food & Beverage management, with nearly 10 as a professional sommelier and beverage director in New York City at Michelin starred restaurants. Prior to leaving New York for North Carolina, Shawn worked as an Associate Specialist in the wine department of the international auction house Christie's.

In North Carolina Shawn has worked as the Wine Buyer and Wine Room Manager for Dean & Deluca and later General Manager and Beverage Director at Corkbuzz by Master Sommelier Laura Maniec. With Foxcroft Food & Wine. Shawn works as Wine Operations Director where he oversees purchasing, education and professional development. Shawn lives in Matthews, NC with his wife Heather and sons Oliver and Emmett.

Amanda began her career in the restaurant industry as a pastry chef. After earning an Associate's degree in Baking and Pastry Arts and a B.S. in Food Service Management from Johnson and Wales University, she gained kitchen experience but soon realized it wasn't the right path for her. She then spent the next 10 years managing restaurants and retail shops, where she discovered her passion for wine and earned the CSW and WSET 3 certifications. In her free time, she enjoys photography and attending hockey and football games.

Keely has been in the hospitality industry for her entire working life. Her experience ranges from working in local restaurants, to corporate and boutique hotels and private country clubs. After graduating from Johnson & Wales University with a B.S. Degree in Hotel Management, Keely continued on to complete her certification with the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET). Keely’s personal passions include activities such as hiking, biking, riding horses, and reading at eccentric coffee shops. She is originally from Washington State.

Stephanie relocated to the Raleigh area in 2023 after a career as a chef in Florida for 25 years. Stephanie brought her talent and energy to Landry's Restaurants for 18 years, and Hyde Park Steakhouse for 3 years. She also has experience in catering and as a private chef. 

While working at Landry's, she became a recipe development Chef, and had the opportunity to participate in their annual Iron Chef competitions for 4 years. She was also part of the Chart House Tampa opening and worked on yachts for Chart House during Daytona race week.

Stephanie loves living in North Carolina, and tries to spend her free time exploring the state and spoiling her family's dogs as well!