Leesa Fotinos

Fotinos Brothers Winery Director of Public Relations, Leesa Fotinos has literally come a long way from her roots in New Brunswick, Canada, where she weathered long, cold winters and very short summers. Ms. Fotinos' ascent can be traced to a vision and work ethic that was cultivated as a child, when she began working as a fashion model at age 12 and earmarked the money she earned for her college education.

Leesa Fotinos graduated from Dalhousie University, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Languages and Journalism. Leesa embarked on a career in Television News in New York. Her wonderfully fresh look, smooth delivery and commitment to excellence, paved the way for subsequent writing, producing and anchoring assignments at stations in Miami, Colorado and eventually Los Angeles--where she met her future husband and Fotinos Brothers Winery Director of Sales and Marketing, Dr. Chris Fotinos.

Leesa's career took-off in Southern California. Ms. Fotinos was hired by MGM in 2000, where she transitioned from hard-hitting news to entertainment--working as a correspondent on the entertainment giant's nationally syndicated show, Uncovered. She graduated to the red carpet, interviewing and reporting on "A-list" celebrities, while attending movie premieres televised by E! Entertainment and ESPN.

You may also recognize Leesa Fotinos under her stage name of Leesa Severyn, where her acting talents have garnered guest starring roles on ER, The West Wing, 24, Crossing Jordan, The District, numerous commercials, infomercials, and movies.

Leesa's love and appreciation for wine is something she acquired and genuinely came to appreciate through her husband, Chris. Together they have enjoyed many bottles, toured numerous vineyards and learned the many nuances of wines and wine making throughout the United States and Europe. The two married in 2003 at a former monastery in romantic Italy.

Today, Leesa enjoys long summers and short, mild winters along the California Coast, as she brings her knowledge of media relations, writing skills and celebrity clientele to the table as Director of Public Relations for Fotinos Brothers Winery.