SO of someone in the wine industry

I have always had an interest in wine from a consumer perspective, as my dad is a moderate wine enthusiast. He began teaching me about different varietals and vintages and how they complement food (he almost became a chef and retains cooking as his biggest hobby) well before I could legally drink. However, this casual interest and knowledge base began to grow significantly when I started dating my current girlfriend.

Brielle has multiple wine certifications and has a side business (in addition to her day job as a talent development professional) in wine. Based in the greater New York City area, she teaches classes at various wineries, wine shops, and country clubs, consults with restaurants and hotels on their wine menus and offerings, and educates and trains staff at these same clients on their wine knowledge.

I simply try to keep up where I can, learning about wine and the wine business through a combination of osmosis from her and my dad and seeking out additional opportunities to enhance my knowledge. This class is the second such opportunity I have found at the GSB, after participating in a GST last spring focused on the wine industries of Argentina and Chile. I anticipate this class will build on my wine industry knowledge foundation that was laid mostly on that trip, as well as give me more opportunities for refining my tasting skills and preferences. Additionally, like I did on that trip, I always welcome the opportunity to be surrounded with, and learn alongside, other GSBers with an interest in wine; I saw many familiar faces in the first session, and look forward to continuing my journey with them as well as the rest of the class!