About Basque Wine Imports
Founder of Basque Wine Imports | Cultural Anthropologist | Certified Specialist of Wine | Travel Expert
I’m Kerri Lesh, PhD, founder of Basque Wine Imports and a cultural anthropologist dedicated to sharing the rich history, language, and flavors of the Basque Country. My lifelong connection to this unique region has shaped both my academic career and my work in the wine world.
My fascination with the Basque Country began early, during a high-school trip to Spain when I stayed near Zaragoza. It was there that I first learned about Spain’s autonomous communities and discovered one in particular whose people spoke a language isolate—Euskara. That initial spark stayed with me through a semester abroad in Granada and later while working in the wine industry in Austin, Texas. With the guidance of an inspiring wine manager and access to an excellent education program, I tasted my first Basque wine, Txakoli. I was obsessed.
Driven by a growing passion for language, I pursued and earned a PhD in Basque Studies–Anthropology at the University of Nevada, Reno. My studies allowed me to explore Basque language, culture, and foodways. I also had the opportunity to study in a barnetegi (Basque language immersion boarding schools where students live and learn Euskara 24/7 for intensive periods) for three months the year before conducting fieldwork. Doing so facilitated my ability to understand not only the language, but how it shaped the surrounding culture. I return to the Basque Country often, working as a cultural expert, nurturing both professional relationships and personal ties.
During Covid, I returned to Kansas City (where I was born) and realized that the city was the perfect place to share wines from the Basque Country—wines that were largely unknown to many American consumers. My goal was to create opportunities for people to learn about this culturally rich region through wine tasting experiences that weave together history, language, and tradition.
In 2025, I partnered with a Basque branding and design company I had worked with previously to create a meaningful logo for what would become Basque Wine Imports (Topa Wine Imports, LLC). The design incorporates the Basque flag—the ikurriña—around the border and features the Basque word “Topa,” meaning “Cheers!” These elements reflect both the cultural pride of the Basque people and my own commitment to honoring the language and culture with the wines I import.
Alongside running Basque Wine Imports, I continue to teach as a college adjunct instructor and lead cultural and wine-focused travel experiences for groups from the U.S. Throughout all my work—whether in the classroom, in vineyards, or guiding travelers through pintxo bars—I bring a blend of academic insight, enthusiasm, and genuine love for connecting people to the stories, traditions, and gastronomy of the Basque Country.
