About Us
Our Team
Jessica Outer
PROPRIETOR
Okay, so, corporate life? Total drag. After 20+ years, my soul said “I’m done!!’ Then, boom, UnWined in 2020. Part-time gig turned full-on love affair. It wasn’t just the wine, it was the laughs, the late-night chats, the whole vibe. Seriously, I was hooked. Traded everything corporate for corkscrews, and haven’t looked back.
Now, as the proud owner of UnWined & Revel, I’m dedicated to creating a haven where everyone, no matter – who you are, wanna be, or level of wine experience – feels welcome.
We’re not just about selling wine; we’re about sharing the passion, the stories, the love that each bottle and person holds. We’re building a community, one glass at a time. So, come join our family, grab a glass or a bite, and let’s embark on this delicious adventure together.
Brut Nature Champagnes, French Syrahs & Cab Francs are my love language. And my fur babies, Pinot and Delice are the loves of my life.
Our Crew
BRIAN ACTON
CHIEF FINANCE GUY
SENIOR WINE BUYER & EDUCATOR
I’m a cautionary tale of an accountant with a passion for food, wine, and travel who happened to have the right bottle of wine at the right time. It sucked me in; couldn’t be helped really. Though I’m a wine geek by disposition, I’m equally happy helping you find that rare bottle you didn’t know you were looking for, or just picking out something tasty to go with dinner tonight.
When I am not trying to figure out exactly how much Pigato or Pinello is too much for our market, you can find me at home playing with my daughter, cooking dinner, and hanging with my wife. We are probably drinking Champagne, Riesling, Nebbiolo, or Syrah.
NICK BOREK
PERSONAL WINE CONCIERGE
WINE BUYER
Alexandria born and bred, I accidentally fell into the wine biz right after college and haven’t looked back for over a decade. I’ve done the wine thing all over, from shops in Alexandria (Unwined included!), D.C., and Nashville, to the wholesale scene. Now I’m back at Unwined as the wine concierge, which basically means I help people find awesome wine without the fuss. Whether you need a killer birthday bottle or enough Sauvignon Blanc for a small army at a graduation, I’m your person.
Outside of work, I’m usually playing guitar in a bar, nerding out over old movies, trying (and mostly succeeding at) eating good food, and enjoying the outdoors.
CHRISTOPHER SPARLIN WITT
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS UNWINED/REVEL, SENIOR CHEESEMONGER
A native of Alexandria, I practically grew up in museums and early on developed a love of art and culture. I was introduced to the world of fine wine as an event photographer over ten years ago, when I was given the opportunity to participate in one of some tasting events. I was hooked!
I’ve always had an appreciation for gastronomy, not just as food and drink but as a way to learn about other cultures as well. I eagerly took on a part-time position with UnWined in 2018 as a way to continue my education. In my now full-time role, I enjoy exploring and sharing my experiences with our customers.
GARY PEMBERTON
BEER BUYER
I’ve worked in the beverage industry for almost 20 years now. In addition to buying and selling beer and wine for established restaurants and retail shops, I’ve set up new retail beverage programs in both D.C. and Alexandria, and worked for a wholesaler.
But beer is not just my career, it’s my hobby. I’ve traveled the U.S. and the world, exploring beer in places from Bruges to Mallorca. (Yep, they have their own breweries.) I enjoy sharing my love of beer with customers and helping them learn through their own research, which is not unpleasant.
DAVID BAUSERMAN
BEER BUYER
I began my career as a mechanical engineer where my favorite part of the job was that the office was less than a mile from a brewery. Over the years I honed my passion for beer by being a frequent guest of UnWined exploring all that beer world had to offer. One day I walked over to the other side of the bar and they haven’t kicked me out yet. Now I enjoy helping curate our beer selection and leading people to the brew for them. When not at UnWined, I can be found spending time with my dog, playing Dungeons & Dragons, or at the record store.
TIA CLARK
WINE & CHEESE ENTHUSIAST, CONSULTANT, WELLNESS ADVOCATE
By day, Martia (Tia) Clark is a seasoned business startup consultant and wellness advocate; by night she’s indulging in her love for wine, cheese, and good conversation at the shop—for the pure joy of it. A devoted wife and mother, Martia has spent over two decades guiding entrepreneurs toward success, always driven by her favorite motto: “See a need, fill a need.”
Her passion for whole-body wellness and community connection is what brought her here— not for the paycheck, but for the pleasure. Whether she’s recommending a bold red to pair with a creamy brie or chatting with customers about life and laughter, Martia brings warmth, wisdom, and a genuine spirit to everything she does.
For Martia, this isn’t just a shop. It’s an extension of her belief in savoring life, one glass and one bite at a time.
PETER FANONE
WINE ASSOCIATE & EDUCATOR
At Unwined, I get to do something I love — talk about wine, share great bottles, and help people find the perfect pour for any occasion.
Born and raised in the Mount Vernon area, I grew up coming to Unwined with my parents, long before I knew I’d one day be on the other side of the counter. Now, as a WSET Level 2 Certified Sommelier, I bring expertise to the table, but more than that, I bring a passion for storytelling.
Most days I’m a professional actor, and to me, wine is just another form of storytelling. Every bottle is a time capsule—a snapshot of a place, a culture, and the people who brought it to life. Whether it’s an old-world classic or a funky natural wine pushing boundaries, each sip has something to say. My job? To help you find the stories you’ll love to drink. Whether you’re looking for a casual weeknight sipper or curating a lineup for a private event, I’m here to make the experience fun, engaging, and, most importantly, delicious
BRANDON CLARK
WINE & CHEESE ASSOCIATE | PLANT DESIGNER | AMATEUR WINEMAKER
Brandon Clark brings a scientist’s curiosity and an artisan’s touch to everything he does—including his part-time role at the wine and cheese shop, which he enjoys purely for the pleasure of great food, fine wine, and good company.
With a background in biology and a lifelong love of plants and animals, Brandon blends his passions through his business, Botanic Artisan LLC, where he creates high-end, custom planter designs for residential, commercial, and multifamily spaces. But his creativity doesn’t stop at greenery—Brandon is also an avid home winemaker. Every year, he joins his Italian friends in the age-old tradition of making wine.
At the shop, Brandon shares his deep appreciation for the art and science behind wine, along with a genuine enthusiasm for pairing it with the perfect cheese. Whether he’s talking fermentation or floral arrangements, Brandon brings knowledge, warmth, and a spirit of craftsmanship to every experience.