Julia Skinner Julia Skinner, PhD is the author of Our Fermented Lives, and the founder of Root, Atlanta's fermentation and food history company where she offers online classes and worldwide consulting for creative projects and researchers. Experience Julia is the author of Our Fermented Lives, and the founder of Root, Atlanta's fermentation and food history company where she offers online classes and worldwide consulting for creative projects and researchers. About Food & Wine Food & Wine, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, is an award-winning online resource for anyone passionate about the culinary world. With rigorously tested recipes and the most trusted restaurant, drinks, culinary travel and home coverage, we inspire and empower people everywhere to discover, create, and devour the best in food and wine. Learn more about us and our editorial process.