Meet The Team at
Vin Noir Explorers and Importers
What is Our story?
Notre aventure a commencé avec une passion partagée pour le vin et l’envie de mettre en lumière les petits producteurs moins connus, qui mettent tout leur cœur dans chaque bouteille. En tant que couple, nous avons découvert que notre amour commun pour le vin ne se limitait pas à savourer un verre après une longue journée – il s’agissait de se connecter aux histoires derrière chaque bouteille et aux personnes qui leur donnent vie.
Animés par notre désir de découverte et notre engagement à soutenir les artisans locaux, nous avons décidé de créer une plateforme qui célèbre le savoir-faire et l’art des vignerons, cidreries et producteurs de vin à petite échelle. Notre objectif est simple : offrir aux producteurs talentueux un espace pour partager leurs créations uniques avec le monde entier.
Shunia Burruss
Owner & Operations
Shunia, a WSET Level I in Wines awardee, is the founder of Vin Noir Explorers and Importers, a venture she and her husband to highlight small, family-owned wineries worldwide. With a passion for unique wines, she believes each bottle tells a story of its people and history. Through VNE Importers, Shunia shares exceptional wines and the rich narratives of dedicated vintners. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Old Dominion University, she combines her analytical skills with her love for wine to celebrate the global wine community.
Christopher 'Cp' Richardson
Compliance & Logistics
Chris is the Compliance and Logistics Lead at Vin Noir Explorers and Importers, a company he co-founded with his wife to showcase small, family-run wineries. With a knack for discovering unique wines, Chris ensures each import has a captivating story tied to its makers. He manages logistics and regulatory compliance, making sure these hidden gems reach the market Chris holds a Bachelor’s in Information Science and a Master’s in Project Management, equipping him with essential for the success of Vin Noir.
Erin "Erni" Miller
Chief Wine Educator
Erni, a "Court of Master Sommeliers - Americas" certification holder, brings ten years of dedicated experience in the fine dining industry, beginning her journey in 2017. Her career trajectory showcases a strong understanding of restaurant operations. Erni's leadership in this role was built upon a foundation of meticulous service and operational excellence. Complementing her professional experience, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Monmouth University, demonstrating a creative and analytical approach that enriches her work.
Charlie Williamson
Chief Marketing Officer
Charlie Williamson is the Chief Marketing Officer at Vin Noir Explorers and Importers. With a professional background, Charlie brings a focused approach to marketing within the wine import industry. His experience includes building brand presences and driving market strategy. Complementing his professional experience, Charlie holds a BS in Communication from Virginia Commonwealth University, providing a strong foundation in strategic communication and its application to effective marketing initiatives that contribute to the growth and visibility.