A few years ago, I had no clue that a career in the Wine industry could have been possible or of the steps that were required to get there.
Thanks to my love for travel and to the best Travel Partner (and Partner in all things), I got the inspiration and motivation I needed.
Thanks to my love for travel and to the best Travel Partner (and Partner in all things), I got the inspiration and motivation I needed.
How it started
At a (very) young age, I was introduced to wine (thanks to my parents) - Black Tower (German) Riesling (quite sophisticated for my young palate) and (California) White Zinfandel!
They were both off-dry or medium sweet and fruity. Who wouldn't like it, right?
My first major Chemistry project in High School was making "Orange wine".
Yes it's in quotes because it wasn't actually Orange Wine (white wine that has been left in contact with it's skins and seeds) but rather fermented orange juice.
Over the years, my interest developed and reds became my preferred choice; primarily Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and blends of the two. Quite limited don't you think?
A 2017 trip to Napa & Sonoma Valley opened my eyes to Wines! Michael & I learned about wines we never heard of or tried before like Petit Syrah, Zinfandel (not White Zinfandel but the actual red wine) and got to experience the vineyards, production and learn general wine etiquette.
We visited Hall Wines, Judd's Hill and Spelletich Family Wine Company.
That trip left us wanting more and so in 2018, we visited Italy.
My life changed. (FULL STOP!)
The entire trip was centered around Wine and Food.
At that point I realized, Wine was no longer just wine...if you understand what I mean.
It was more about the culture, history and terroir (pronounced tehr-waar) - which speaks to the influence of environment (soil, climate, weather etc) on the wine.
Enjoying premium wines at a minimal cost (comparative to the Caribbean) while devouring authentic, farm-to-table cuisine in the most relaxing setting...it could not get better.
But wait it does! Click on the video below
They were both off-dry or medium sweet and fruity. Who wouldn't like it, right?
My first major Chemistry project in High School was making "Orange wine".
Yes it's in quotes because it wasn't actually Orange Wine (white wine that has been left in contact with it's skins and seeds) but rather fermented orange juice.
Over the years, my interest developed and reds became my preferred choice; primarily Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and blends of the two. Quite limited don't you think?
A 2017 trip to Napa & Sonoma Valley opened my eyes to Wines! Michael & I learned about wines we never heard of or tried before like Petit Syrah, Zinfandel (not White Zinfandel but the actual red wine) and got to experience the vineyards, production and learn general wine etiquette.
We visited Hall Wines, Judd's Hill and Spelletich Family Wine Company.
That trip left us wanting more and so in 2018, we visited Italy.
My life changed. (FULL STOP!)
The entire trip was centered around Wine and Food.
At that point I realized, Wine was no longer just wine...if you understand what I mean.
It was more about the culture, history and terroir (pronounced tehr-waar) - which speaks to the influence of environment (soil, climate, weather etc) on the wine.
Enjoying premium wines at a minimal cost (comparative to the Caribbean) while devouring authentic, farm-to-table cuisine in the most relaxing setting...it could not get better.
But wait it does! Click on the video below
Add Panzano Wine Festival, shopping at the Il Palagio in Tuscany for wines, wine salt and olive oil, winery experiences at Poggio Rubino, Azienda Agricola Poliziano, Cantina Sociale Colli Fiorentini, Azienda Agricola Montefioralle, Azienda Toni Doro, Montesel Azienda Agricola and Col Vetoraz
Did I mention the Prosecco vending machine, Wine pump (gas station-like fuel pumps), grape harvesting and that one of our vacation rentals was smack in the middle of a vineyard?
During this trip, I learned so much, including the existence of actual wine schools (yes, it's embarrassing to admit!)
Did I mention the Prosecco vending machine, Wine pump (gas station-like fuel pumps), grape harvesting and that one of our vacation rentals was smack in the middle of a vineyard?
During this trip, I learned so much, including the existence of actual wine schools (yes, it's embarrassing to admit!)
Professional training
I knew I had to pursue this love, I needed to know more and I wanted to share the Wines of the World with others!
I started my educational journey with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust Level 2 in Wines & Spirits which I received Distinction (provided by Florida Wine Academy), then the Comite Champagne certificate, Napa Valley Wine Academy: Business of Wine and I am eagerly awaiting my results for Wine & Spirit Education Trust Level 3 in Wines.
I started my educational journey with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust Level 2 in Wines & Spirits which I received Distinction (provided by Florida Wine Academy), then the Comite Champagne certificate, Napa Valley Wine Academy: Business of Wine and I am eagerly awaiting my results for Wine & Spirit Education Trust Level 3 in Wines.
What's Next?
Hopefully, my next challenge will be the WSET Level 4 in Wines and perhaps the Wine Scholar Guild Italian/Spanish Wine Scholar.
As I continue to educate myself, be prepared to learn something new as well.
Are you cool with that?
My favorite wine quote:
"He who knows how to taste wine does not drink wine, but savors secrets" - Salvador Dali
p.s. I hope you enjoyed the photos
Follow @designsbynishy on Instagram
Connect with me on LinkedIn
Purchase Wine Apparel & Accessories HERE
As I continue to educate myself, be prepared to learn something new as well.
Are you cool with that?
My favorite wine quote:
"He who knows how to taste wine does not drink wine, but savors secrets" - Salvador Dali
p.s. I hope you enjoyed the photos
Follow @designsbynishy on Instagram
Connect with me on LinkedIn
Purchase Wine Apparel & Accessories HERE
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