Many newcomers to wine can be intimidated by the sheer volume of information surrounding this complex beverage. Despite their own diversity of products, beer and spirits do not engender this same response. Admittedly, there is much to learn about wine, some of which is merely nice to know. However, I do feel that some information can truly enhance one’s enjoyment of wine.

As a wine educator, I have tasked myself with the mission of helping people to better understand the world of wine, recognizing what wines they prefer and how to identify them at the wine merchant or on the menu. My classes are structured to provide a foundation in grape growing (viticulture) and wine making (viniculture). They also provide an opportunity for a guided tasting, with an emphasis on drawing comparisons between wine flavors and styles.

I realize that the wine industry is constantly changing. Accordingly, as an educator, it is imperative for me to fully immerse myself in learning about wine, enabling me to better serve my students. Through my pursuit of previous wine credentials and current enrollment in the two-year Diploma of Wine & Spirits program, I am keeping my knowledge current, which will be reflected in my classes.

It is a pleasure to introduce people to wine and to help them appreciate not only the luscious liquid in the glass, but also the processes that created it.