Amanda Smeltz studied philosophy and literature, and holds an MFA in poetry. She has been a sommelier and wine buyer in New York City for twelve years, most recently at the restaurants Estela and Altro Paradiso in Manhattan. Smeltz’ wine writing has appeared in Esquire and SevenFifty Daily. Her debut poetry collection is Imperial Bender (2013), and her verse has appeared in journals such as Prelude, [PANK], and Barrow Street, among others. In the summer of 2021, Smeltz was a fellow at The Mastheads, a writer’s residency held in Pittsfield, MA, on the grounds of Herman Melville’s farm.