I love wine. For years I said I wanted to learn more, but aside from drinking it I did very little. In Knoxville, a group of us celebrated the release of Beaujolais Nouveau each year with a case of wine, some bread, cheese and grapes but as I got more ‘real’ jobs that fun celebration got tougher to plan. In grad school, I’d participate in wine tastings with friends and enjoyed it, but didn’t really learn about what was going on. Then, for my big girls weekend before getting married, we went to Sonoma. A fabulous weekend with my closest girlfriends from a variety of circles in a gorgeous setting cemented it for me: I needed to learn more. What is it about wine that makes it special? That can unite people with little in common simply by sharing the experience of the taste? That allows this beverage to develop throughout the ages yet still remain so true to its centuries old roots?
A while ago, A and I started tracking what we drank — even taking pictures and occasionally posting on a blog just for us. Then, I started taking classes at UC Davis, then the Northwest Wine Academy. The more I learn, the more I want to experience and learn. After completing about a year of studies, I decided to take on my first exam that would include blind tasting: the WSET Advanced course. I just started the prep course work this weekend and already have enjoyed it. I definitely view the studying as work, but it’s also like solving a puzzle or receiving a piece of a story where you can’t wait to read more to find out what will happen. Over the weekend, we blind tasted 30 wines. All were interesting, some were gorgeous in bouquet, a few were truly outstanding examples of what can be. I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to explore the world of wine. It’s a different kind of rush than racing my bike or hiking to a great look out, but also very rewarding. Like key moments in those active endeavors, I can recall the moments celebrated with wine, as well as moments celebrated because of a wine moment (the perfect pairing on Christmas Day comes to mind).
I do not know where this path will lead (currently dabbling in the business/marketing side while interning on the production side) but I know I love it. I also know that no matter how many times you taste the same wine, there’s always something new to discover and explore.
Now if I can just ace this exam next month and convince A to move to Tuscany with me… yeah, yeah.. that’s the ticket! Cheers!
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