Natalie de La Giraudiere

Owner and Founder, The Wine Frog

Natalie de La Giraudière is the owner and founder of The Wine Frog, a wine and spirits importer and distributor based in Fort Worth, Texas. Natalie’s passion for wine began in 1991 at age 21 when she studied abroad, first in Spain and then France where she lived for nearly six years. When time spent in France led to marriage to a Frenchman with a family background in Champagne, it was only a matter of time before Natalie’s entrepreneurial aspirations led to a career in the wine business. After leaving a consulting position in the oil & gas sector, the opportunity to start The Wine Frog presented itself and she never looked back. Established with little more than passion, dedication and common sense, The Wine Frog has become one of the most respected wholesalers in Texas.

The Wine Frog portfolio is comprised of boutique wines from France, Argentina, Spain, Italy, Germany and New Zealand and domestic wines from California, Washington, Oregon and Texas. Some of the better known brands include Allan Scott, Gouguenheim, Ferraton, Lucas & Lewellen, Falcor, Queen of Hearts, Demoiselle, Diamant, Classical Wines (of Spain), Fabiano, Peter Brum. The company sells statewide to restaurants and retailers such as Whole Foods, Central Market, boutique wine shops and liquor stores. The Wine Frog employs about 20, divided evenly between administrative and logistical staff and sales people.

Natalie is a regular speaker at Texas Christian University (TCU) Business Entrepreneur classes and the company is active with a number of charities such as Big Brothers - Big Sisters. She often presents wines to groups ranging from private wine dinners to regional television and radio audiences such as Good Morning Texas and Biz Radio Network. She also has given presentations in French to international wine producers during visits organized by the French Embassy. She is a member of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

Natalie graduated from the American University of Paris in 1992 and has a Master’s degree from Columbia University in 1998. She speaks French fluently and her Spanish is excellent. When she is not running The Wine Frog or busy being a single Mom to her daughter and son, Natalie enjoys cooking, yoga and anything outdoors. The Wine Frog is a certified Woman’s Business Enterprise.