Our Story :: SanTasti the Palate Cleansing Beverage :: Wine | Food | Chocolate | Coffee

Our Story :: SanTasti the Palate Cleansing Beverage :: Wine | Food | Chocolate | Coffee | Refreshing Intermezzo

	free S&H on 24pk samples account cart checkout

home our story testimonials products SanTásti store tásti tips find SanTásti

Nicole Chamberlain and Andrew Macaluso founded SanTásti Inc. in 2008. The two met each other at Cal Poly during their freshman year in chemistry class. During this time Nicole was studying for a degree in Biology and Andrew for a degree in Chemistry. After two years of working in the labs at Cal Poly the two decided that a life in the lab was not for them. It was then that they found a new opportunity in the budding Wine and Viticulture program at Cal Poly where they studied viticulture and enology under Keith Patterson and Bruce Zoecklein. There they were able to combine their love for science with their passion for art and creation. This blend of passions is what led to the creation of SanTásti. After two years of tasting wine without an effective and consistent method for cleansing their palates, the concept of a palate cleansing beverage was born. The two quickly got to work and created what is known today as SanTásti Classic and Cucumber. These beverages were created to help people enjoy more flavors from more foods.

Andrew Macaluso- CEO

Andrew discovered his passion for wine before he could legally drink it. Before the world of wine Andrew was studying for his BS in Chemistry at Cal Poly with the goal of becoming a research chemist. After two years of chemistry and countless hours in the lab he decided that it was time for a change. He graduated with a B.S. in Wine and Viticulture, a concentration in Enology and a minor in Agribusiness from Cal Poly. His new goal is to combine science, art and emerging popular technologies to educate and entertain flavor enthusiasts with the mantra of more flavors from more foods. email

Nicole Chamberlain- President

Nicole discovered her passion for wine at just the right time, on the eve of her 21st birthday. Prior to her life changing revelation Nicole was studying for a degree in Biology with plans of becoming a dentist like her father. She furthered her wine expertise with the hands on experience that only Cal Poly can offer (learn by doing!) during the 2007 harvest when she was the Cal Poly winemaker. She graduated with a B.S. in Wine and Viticulture , a concentration in Enology and a minor in Agribusiness from Cal Poly. She hopes to use her skills in wine, science and business to pursue her interest in sensory analysis and help create a culture of food and flavor appreciation.

Nicole was the winemaker for Cal Poly's 2007 vintage. She used her experience in sensory analysis and winemaking to craft the highest rated wines to come from Cal Poly, recently winning multiple gold and silver medals at the San Fransisco International Wine Competition. email

Christina Sheldahl- CFO

Christina has been in the accounting industry for over 8 years. A licensed CPA, Christina has enjoyed serving a variety of clients in both audit and tax. As a mother of two boys, she has been able to follow her passions of family and work. She is committed to the success and challenges she may face in the business world. Christina can still remember the smells of her grandfather's wine cellar and him letting her try some at the age of four when she quickly learned that wine was not as pleasing as grape juice at such a young age. Thankfully her palate has come a long way since. email

Leilani Carrara – West Coast Sales

Leilani was first exposed to wine via her mother’s homemade Italian red sauce, which always contained a big, tannic Cabernet Sauvignon. This exposure, an introduction to the wine world by her Aunt Juliet, plus a “Sound of Music” moment in the Cal Poly campus vineyards, guided Leilani to complete her B.S. in Wine & Viticulture (Wine Business concentration) with a minor in Agribusiness from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2008.

Leilani likes to boast about being a beta-tester for SanTasti (true story) and finally jumped on-board full-time in February, rounding the team out with a little Sales & Marketing hiding up her sleeves. She enjoys providing consumer demonstrations on the weekends in the name of "Consumer Education & Marketing", leads the Napa/Sonoma chapter of the Young Winos club, and is a member of the Bad Children's Wine Club of Truckee/Tahoe. email