Karina graduated from Oklahoma State University (Go Pokes) in 2011 with a degree in Architecture accompanied with a Minor in Architectural History Theory. After spending a bit of time in Germany honing her design skills, she returned to the states and moved into the business of slaying wine, it quickly became a natural fit. She earned the title of Certified Sommelier in 2017 and drops wine knowledge on the streets of Oklahoma City like the Grape Gangster she is.

As a former Sushi Chef, she appreciates the art, the flavor matrix of cuisine, and wine pairings. Over the past several years Karina has curated countless wine dinners by the sides of Oklahoma City’s rockstar Chefs and doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. 

Her sheer love for wine and the people she spends time drinking with gave her the inspiration to create The Crush Lab. We hope you enjoy her as much as we do!