Wine & Food Tasting Finale – Lauren Taylor

• Bar Manager, Executive Sommelier and Events Coordinator
• Jillian’s Italian Grill and Wine Bar

Lauren was born and raised in Wichita, Ks where her loving family fostered a love of music, nature, and learning. She graduated from Wichita High School East with an International Baccalaureate diploma and then from the University of Kansas with a BA in English with honors. After working for other small local businesses, her path led to the wine industry where after a volunteer harvest at Grace Hill Winery she was offered a job in the tasting room. This opportunity inspired a passion and career in the beverage industry that led to two levels of Sommelier certification through the International Wine and Spirits Guild and jobs at Jacob Liquor Exchange East and Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits Distributors. Her work as a sales consultant across Wichita and Hutchinson led her to accept a position as Bar Manager, Executive Sommelier and Events Coordinator for Jillian’s Italian Grill and Wine Bar where she currently oversees drink menu management, staff training, special events design and promotion, and bartending.

In her spare time, Lauren seeks out opportunities to stay physically and civically active. Participation in local enrichment opportunities such as Bike Across Kansas in 2015, Leadership Reno County and Your Leadership Edge through the Kansas Leadership Center in 2019, and membership of the Hutchinson Reno County Arts and Humanities Council (HRAH) since 2020 keep Lauren engaged with her community. Making time for cycling, yoga, disc golf, and mental health maintenance to name a few has helped her stay curious, find joy, and grow in her career and personal life.