Better known locally as KRSH, KNOB and KXTS radio’s Ziggy “The Wine Gal,” Ms. Eschliman is, in fact, a former municipal bond specialist (yawn) who turned a hobby into a livelihood. In retrospect, she probably should have known her true calling all along. “I basically grew up with wine, in that my father believed it was part of the meal,” she remembers. “It was always at the dinner table, and from the time we could sit at the table, he offered wine—mixed with some water, of course.
“Even [when I was working in finance and living in San Francisco], my biggest hobby was wine. I spent weekends in Wine Country.”
Now living in Sonoma County with her musician husband, Tim, and daughter Teale, Ziggy has become a popular guest speaker and wine educator. She also hosts a weekly wine show on WTAR-AM in Norfolk, Va., which is broadcast throughout the Southeastern seaboard.
What’s your favorite thing to do on a sunny day?
Drive along small, unknown roads throughout Wine Country.
What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
Sit by the fire with a wonderful glass of Zinfandel and read a great book.
What’s the oddest piece of clothing in your closet?
My leopard print vintage pill box hat.
What’s something you should throw away, but can’t?
My dad’s old vintage Hawaiian shirt. It’s really cool, but shredded in many places and isn’t really wearable.
What’s something you did growing up that your parents never found out about?
I can’t say. If my mom found out, I’d still get grounded!
What’s something about yourself that you hope will change, but probably never will?
My freckles.
What’s one guilty pleasure you enjoy too much to give up?
Going to a great spa for a massage.
What museum do you most like to visit?
The de Young Museum in San Francisco has always been my favorite.
What skill would you like to learn in the next year?
Yoga
If you were unlimited by money, where would you spend your next vacation?
Traveling to the countries that line the Mediterranean via yacht on sea and convertible car on land.
If you could have any musician or group (past or present) play at your birthday party, who would it be?
The Rolling Stones circa 1970.
What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
The wine and food sections, of course!
What’s your strongest sense?
Intuition
What’s your lifelong dream or ambition?
I would love to have a television talk show.
What food do you hate?
Salmon
What movies have you watched over and over again?
“Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “French Kiss,” “Must Love Dogs” and “Mrs. Doubtfire.”
If your CD player only played one song, what would it be?
“You Better Believe It” from Rhythmtown-Jive’s Analog Travelog CD.
If you could bring peace to just one country, which would you choose?
It’s not fair to choose peace for one country over another. I wish peace for every country.
What’s one of your most memorably funny life moments?
It happened when I got married, at the altar when the priest said, “You may kiss the bride.” As my husband leaned over to kiss me, my veil fell off, and I whispered—a bit too loud—a four-letter word. The guests rolled with laughter. I have it on video. Our daughter is embarrassed by it.
What’s something crazy you did when you were young that you can’t imagine doing now?
Going to almost 300 Grateful Dead shows!
