Welcome to my first blog posting! I am Jacqueline Brisley CSW, Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers, and Certified Specialist of Wine from The Society of Wine Educators. I own a Wine Tasting, consulting, and education company called Vitis Vitae (Vine Life) based in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. The website is www.vitisvitae.com .
I started my company in 2008, and began running public Wine Tasting Events, each one focused on a different region. I also developed some corporate events for team building, ran private wine tasting events such as an alternative to a traditional cocktail hour, wedding shower, etc. I also chose to develop myself as a corporate citizen by donating my time and skills to various local charities.
But - welcome to 2009. The economy has gone down the toilet, and people from all walks of life are choosing to scale back their discretionary spending. Have I chosen to be associated with a so called "luxury" item? This is not what I am finding from my students and clients. There is a strong demand for accessible, easy to understand, fun ways to learn about wine!
Since I am based in Guelph, Ontario, Canada the only retail outlet for wine is the LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario). Wine can be bought through brokers, but only in full cases, at prices set by the LCBO. I don't have a problem with this system, as it does generate a huge amount of income to help finance essential programs like universal health care, but there are flaws. The selections available are carefully chosen to fit specific niches in the marketplace, with the first thought being the mass acceptance and profitability of the product. Wine is not made to fit into specific niches like this. It is a living product of the association of man and vine, as much art as industry, crafted with love and passion, and it changes each year based on what nature determines, not a marketing CEO.
What I plan on sharing with you is my travels around the world of wine, all experiences both good and bad, and let you decide for yourself if a particular wine is worth trying, or coming to the realization that perhaps a friendly, easy to understand Wine Education Course would benefit you in making these travels with me.
Comments, questions, and opinions are welcome, but keep in mind that the perception of wine is completely subjective. There are no right or wrong answers when it comes to taste. I hope to develop new ideas and opinions as well, as I am always learning.
Please visit my website www.vitisvitae.com for upcoming events and courses.
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