Rosalie Sendelbach was born in Chicago from Austrian parents. Education in wine culture began at a young age on travels to their farm in Austria and inspired a lifelong passion for agriculture, biodynamic farming, wine culture and conservation of natural resources. She continued her culinary & wine education in NYC, with father-in-law and mentor, famed restaurateur Bruno Caravaggi, of Quo Vadis from Castel San Giovanni, Italy. It was Andy Warhol's favorite place to write interviews at the bar, who also became a friend. Tastings in the extensive cellar of Quo Vadis of rare vintages of Bordeaux, and Burgundy, lead to a lifelong passion for wine. She was taught by her mother, aunt and grandmother the art of Austrian cuisine along with Timber Framing joinery and beekeeping. Her mother was a chef in Redl Zipf Austria and lived on a farm and apiary and started her own currant and berry farm at Tabasco Lodge, Kerhonkson NY.