Rich Ross (the sommelier) Lost Everything
Donation protected
I’m writing to you about a terrible situation that occurred last week to our friend Rich Ross.
After years of investing in so many ways in St. Louis, our friend felt it was time to move to Colorado. He packed up all of his things and set off on the road. Along the way he met his friend in Kansas City. While inside enjoying an adult soda, his U-Haul was stolen and everything he owned (except the clothes on his back) were taken from him.
For anyone that doesn’t know Rich, he is an amazing wine professional, friend, mentor, and overall great human being. Over the years St. Louis gained a great reputation of developing great wine professionals that now work all over the world. A major part of that success is due to Rich (motha*******) Ross. He is one of the OG STL wine professionals and kept the Monday tasting group going for over a decade. EVERY MONDAY — the level of consistency and mental toughness to be that person for so many people is incredible. I (as well as others) owe so much of our wine careers to him. Please repost a story of how Rich helped you but even more importantly there are two fundamental ways to help him more directly.
First and foremost is money. Rich had a modest insurance policy that won’t cover half of what he lost. Anything you can do to support our friend Rich is absolutely appreciated. Even if you don’t know him, imagine this same situation happening to the wine pro in your life that has demonstrated all of these qualities. Let’s support our industry.
Secondly, Rich’s entire wine collection was in that truck including the best Burgundian, German, Champagne and the rest of the worlds producers. I think it would be pretty magical to send in bottles (young and old) to re-create (or try to) his cellar. Because shipping is tricky, please message me on Instagram at Padraigthesomm and we will coordinate.
I could go on and on about why Rich deserves this immense support but I think everyone realizes the terror, sadness, anger and frustration someone could have felt over this experience.
I’m hoping this tight-knit wine world can rise to the challenge.
After years of investing in so many ways in St. Louis, our friend felt it was time to move to Colorado. He packed up all of his things and set off on the road. Along the way he met his friend in Kansas City. While inside enjoying an adult soda, his U-Haul was stolen and everything he owned (except the clothes on his back) were taken from him.
For anyone that doesn’t know Rich, he is an amazing wine professional, friend, mentor, and overall great human being. Over the years St. Louis gained a great reputation of developing great wine professionals that now work all over the world. A major part of that success is due to Rich (motha*******) Ross. He is one of the OG STL wine professionals and kept the Monday tasting group going for over a decade. EVERY MONDAY — the level of consistency and mental toughness to be that person for so many people is incredible. I (as well as others) owe so much of our wine careers to him. Please repost a story of how Rich helped you but even more importantly there are two fundamental ways to help him more directly.
First and foremost is money. Rich had a modest insurance policy that won’t cover half of what he lost. Anything you can do to support our friend Rich is absolutely appreciated. Even if you don’t know him, imagine this same situation happening to the wine pro in your life that has demonstrated all of these qualities. Let’s support our industry.
Secondly, Rich’s entire wine collection was in that truck including the best Burgundian, German, Champagne and the rest of the worlds producers. I think it would be pretty magical to send in bottles (young and old) to re-create (or try to) his cellar. Because shipping is tricky, please message me on Instagram at Padraigthesomm and we will coordinate.
I could go on and on about why Rich deserves this immense support but I think everyone realizes the terror, sadness, anger and frustration someone could have felt over this experience.
I’m hoping this tight-knit wine world can rise to the challenge.
Organizer and beneficiary
Patrick Olds
Organizer
Johnstown, CO
Richard Ross
Beneficiary