Memento Mori
Aristotle Smith’s journey to Memento Mori is one defined by serendipity and a series of life-defining moments. A first-generation American with Greek and English roots, Aristotle grew up in the Bay Area in a close-knit, family-oriented household where food and wine played a central role.
His undergraduate years at Sonoma State University, nestled in the heart of California’s wine country, cemented his deep connection to the wine industry. While studying art and psychology, Aristotle found himself drawn to the culture of wine that surrounded him, intrigued by the opportunities he identified where he could apply his education to that world. He eventually forged a career that would combine business development, design, and a lifelong passion for fine wine.
Life took a turn when, just as Aristotle embarked on a graduate degree in business psychology from Notre Dame, he was forced to cut his studies short to move home and care for his ailing mother and father. Enduring the loss of both of his parents within the same year taught him the power of choice and the fragility of life – lessons that would shape both his personal and professional pursuits.
Once he was back in the Bay Area, Aristotle pivoted to the tech world, working at Craigslist, and then as a business development and UX design consultant, with clients ranging from small startups to TechCrunch. But wine proved to be the siren song that he simply could not shake.
Keeping a foot in the door of the industry, Aristotle completed his Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 certification while staging at Pearl 6101, a beloved San Francisco restaurant. He also hosted a YouTube show where he paired wines and spirits with eclectic cuisines, earning a significant audience of followers.
Aristotle’s full-time pivot to the wine industry began in earnest when he joined Knights Bridge Winery. During his three-and-a-half years there, he helped grow the brand and cultivate relationships with affluent collectors, all while undergoing cancer treatment for a sudden melanoma diagnosis. It was at Knights Bridge that he first met Hayes Drumwright and his wife Susana, a chance encounter that led to an immediate bond over deep family ties, health scares, and a mutual knack for business.
Aristotle had been familiar with the superlative wines of Memento Mori, but that meeting with Hayes and Susana helped him understand the true meaning behind the label’s ethos: “Remember to Live.” He immediately knew where his next step would lead him.
Now, as Memento Mori’s Director of Business Development, Aristotle now represents that very philosophy of embracing life, crafting exceptional experiences that resonate deeply with the label’s audience. Fostering authentic connections, his aim is to grow Memento Mori’s presence in luxury markets through personalized initiatives and exclusive experiences.
Outside of work, Aristotle still enjoys art, food, and wine. He is an avid soccer fan (especially Tottenham), and he enjoys watching his wife, Jessica, pursue her passion as an equestrian jumper. With a home in Greece, Aristotle frequently returns to his maternal roots, drawing inspiration from that heritage.
When he’s not enjoying Memento Mori, Aristotle loves to explore old-world wines, with a special fondness for Champagne. For him, wine is about more than just taste – it’s about celebrating life, family, and the moments that matter most.