Turning tragedy into triumph

"Blind Wine Chick" uses her gift to find the best wines

Life changed for Alex Elman when she was 27 years old; she lost her eyesight from juvenile diabetes.

"I'm going to call it a gift because for me it is a gift, to figure out how to get through life like this," said Elman. "I think life, in general is about adapting."

Now Elman runs her own company; she took her love for wine and turned it into a business.

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"I think wine brings people together," she said.

That's just what guests are doing at this charity event she's hosting.

"She made me feel very comfortable about going with my own, umm, instincts about wine tasting," said a guest at the event, Mimi Steward.

"It was really interesting listening to her," said another guest, Bobbie Gackowski.

Elman gives wine tasters some tips:

  • You don't have to spend a lot on wine, think less than $15.
  • Organic is generally better since there are fewer chemicals.
  • Buck the cliché; white does not always go with fish, nor red with meat, instead drink what you like, when you like it.
  • Keep it cool, even reds should be chilled 10 minutes before serving.
  • When you drink, think: swirl, snif, then sip. Always inhale through your nose then sip, as it will help you taste each flavor.
  • An open bottle of wine can last up to two weeks if corked and chilled.
  • Also, don't be afraid to try new things.


"You know, you can't be wrong. It's your palate, right?" Elman said.

Elman shares her knowledge across the country, and travels the world to find the best vino; as she's the self-proclaimed "Blind Wine Chick."

You can check out her website at www.aewines.com.