Originally from the United States, Erica Taylor began her career in PR and marketing in New York City before moving to Mumbai in India, where her interest in wine took root while living on a vineyard. That experience sparked a deeper commitment to wine education and eventually led her to settle in South Africa for 8 years. In mid-2026, she returned to India.
Erica is the founder of Uncorkified, a consultancy focused on wine list development, wine education, and market strategy for producers and venues. She holds certifications including WSET Level 3 (with Merit), ASI Certification Level 1, SASA Junior Sommelier, and Certified Specialist of Wine.
Her work spans several areas of the industry:
- Curating wine lists for restaurants, bars, and lodges
- Leading private and professional wine tours
- Judging for competitions such as Winemag.co.za's competitions, the Aurora International Taste Challenge, and the Best Sommelier of South Africa
- Supporting South African producers exploring export markets, particularly in India and the USA
Erica has a strong interest in sustainability and works primarily with wines that are organically farmed, naturally made, or rooted in regenerative practices. As a former vice chair of the South African Sommeliers Association (SASA), she was involved in education and mentorship initiatives for a number of years, helping develop programs that support young sommeliers entering the trade.