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Burt Notarius Burt acquired Premier Liquor (now Prime Wine & Spirits) in 1969, and expanded it in 1981 into the Premier Center, one of the largest wine and spirits complexes in the nation. In 1985, he was honored by Market Watch magazine as one of America’s 12 Leaders in wine and spirit retailing, and was cited for retail excellence in 1986 by Liquor Store Magazine. In voting conducted by editors of The Wine Spectator, Premier was named 1993 Retailer of the Year after winning regional honors in 1991 and 1992. Burt is a particular fan of Spanish wines, which he feels are the best values on the market and among the best made wines in the world. |
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Kevin Driscoll Kevin started work at Premier in 1978 and has been an important part of building Premier into one of the most prestigious and respected wine and spirits retailers in the U.S. Kevin has visited numerous wineries in virtually every significant wine producing region of the world, including France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Chile, Argentina, South Africa and Australia, along with extensive travels through California. He has served as a judge in various national wine competitions. Kevin prefers ripe, deep wines with healthy acidity levels that integrate well with foods, including Sauvignon Blanc-based wines such as Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, Syrah-based wines such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas, and Sangiovese-based wines. |
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Ric McLeod
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Paula Paradise
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Kevin McPartland Kevin is a graduate of St. Joe’s Collegiate Institute and Canisius College. He has had the privilege of traveling throughout the US, Canada and Europe. His enthusiasm for travel and wine has made him a perfect fit into our staff; plus, he is always more than happy to help customers find that perfect wine. |
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Juliana Karnyski Juliana started working at Premier 12 years ago as a single mother of two young children. A graduate of UB, she learned how to study and work hard. Once at Premier, she was quickly immersed in wine through tasting and the reading of the major publications. She learned an immeasurable amount about wine, and about people, business communication, geography, climate and the many variables involved in making wine. There is much more to learn, and she is a willing and dedicated student. |
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Kim Sopko
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Jennifer Lansford Jennifer Lansford is an enthusiastic wine associate. Her passion was quickly ignited by the immense variety of wine available at Premier. Previously an English major, she changed her focus from literary pursuits to wine education. Her favorite wines include some New World favorites, such as red Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and red blends from California. Jennifer continues to expand her knowledge in order to enhance her own palate as well as to better assist Premier's customers. |









