Dr. Elizabeth Smith, writer and brand ambassador easmith.net

Role: Freelance Writer, Croatian Premium Wine Imports Brand Ambassador, Fora Certified Travel Advisor
Location: Zagreb, Croatia

My Background:
I’m a writer, brand ambassador, and travel advisor. I’ve been in the wine industry since 2014. I hold a doctoral degree in higher education, master's and bachelor's degrees in French, and WSET Level 3. I’m a member of the Circle of Wine Writers and Les Dames d’Escoffier International.
My writing awards include the 2017 Born Digital Wine Award for wine tourism and the 2022 Hungarian Wines Koch Winery category. I was a finalist in the 2023-2025 Wine Travel Awards "Brightest Journey" category. My 2022 win led me to Hungary, then Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Serbia.

What are the top three challenges to maintaining your well-being in your work?
1.        In my roles as brand ambassador and writer, I am surrounded by wine.
2.        The same can be said for food – it usually goes hand and hand with wine at tastings, receptions, and dinners.
3.        I also work remotely from home, sitting most of the day, so I have to be mindful of moving so I am not sedentary.

What are 3 things you do (or try to do) to maintain your well-being?
1.        Moving one's body – whether that be working out, walking, or vigorous chores – is important to maintaining one's physical and mental health.
2.        Writing – journaling – relaxes me.
3.        So does being in sunlight – I enjoy sitting at outdoor cafés and people watching.

What other beverages do you drink when you're not drinking alcohol?
I drink sparkling water, coffee, tea, and occasionally fruit juices. I am also discovering some good no-low alcohol wines. 

What would people be surprised to know about you?
I am a former community college language professor. I taught for over 20 years in Virginia before moving to Napa Valley in 2014 to accept a position as a wine club, office, and travel manager at a small winery in St. Helena.

What are you looking forward to?
I am looking forward to spending more time in my new home country of Croatia. Since I moved here in October 2024, I have been traveling a lot between the U.S. and Croatia to host Croatian wine tastings, transport my belongings, tie up loose ends, etc. I have also traveled to Serbia, Hungary twice, and London for the London Wine Fair. I am finally home for a while.

What's your weirdest wellness hack?
I am a big fan of Gemišt, the Croatian version of a spritzer, made with sparkling mineral water and wine. They are sold in different ratios of wine to water. It's a way to enjoy a little wine while staying hydrated.

What inspires you on your journey in the beverage industry?
Discovering Central and Eastern Europe's people, cultures, cuisine, and wines has reinvigorated me. After so much political strife and wars across generations, wine producers had the fortitude and passion to replant their vineyards and start over – recreating their family winegrowing and winemaking businesses from scratch. It is wonderful to see them recognized as high-quality producers on par with more well-known regions.

Here in Zagreb I also see the world through the eyes of an underdog – a grower, winemaker, and/or region that overcomes the odds to achieve success – while remaining humble, appreciative, and enthusiastic about the craft.

What is a quote that you love?
“Just do it. Everything you need to know, you know, and everything you need to have, you have. Everything!” ~ Notes from the Universe® (tut.com)

You can connect with Elizabeth on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.