My interest in wine was initially sparked during a trip to Italy when I was 17 years old. Then I began my formal wine education at the International Wine Center in 1997 following graduation from Duke University.
At the IWC, where I was later an instructor, I completed courses designed by the Wine and Spirit Education Trust to educate members of the wine trade. I was awarded the Intermediate Certificate in 1998 and the Advanced Certificate in 1999. In October 2000, I became one of the youngest Americans to complete the rigorous Diploma and the following year passed the Certified Wine Educator exam designed by the Society of Wine Educators to promote higher standards among wine educators in the United States.
In November 2003, I earned the title Master of Wine. Originally created by the wine trade in the United Kingdom, the title Master of Wine as designated by the Institute of Masters of Wine is generally recognized as the highest credential that can be obtained in the wine trade. I joined the Institute as the youngest of 20 Americans at the time (of whom I was the second female) and then 239 Masters of Wine worldwide. Currently, there are only 24 American Masters of Wine and 265 in the world.
In addition to my role as a wine educator, I also work as a consultant with Strategic Insights, a full-service marketing research firm.
I live in Durham, North Carolina.
