Samantha and I continued to plan our trip to Tuscany and I began to bounce more ideas off Dad as he had done some international traveling.
I called Samantha that Wednesday after my first class on Tuesday, the day before.
While "Day 1" was introductory in nature, I could tell that the pace would be fast and furious. I had better be ready, and I was. The pace had to go quickly as there is just so much about French wine to cover; and we would be attempting to learn the "lion's share" of it in just seven weeks. French wine was not only a subject, it was a language. The French have been known to have an air of superiority about them; and in the wine business, it is certainly no different.
Class was intense. After "Week 1", I felt as if I had the basics covered. We studied some basic history, started on the major wine regions, and began tasting and studying some of the major players.
It was important to me to also meet some of the "major players" in this new endeavor toward becoming a sommelier. In my class of sixteen, there were five others who desired to take the challenge and attempt the great feat toward becoming sommelier. They would become my cohort, and my friends.
Additionally, we each decided we would try to connect with one other person who was striving to become a sommelier, and the ten of us would attempt to get together once a month. It was my idea that I personally introduced to the group, as I felt this would give us all a better chance.
In truth; out of ten, perhaps one to a maximum of three of us would pass the Master's exam...and one of them was going to be me.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Arriving in Burlington without a hitch, I was ready to embark on the next part of my journey.
Since I had spent time in Burlington, I knew exactly where to go back to. I knew I would have a place to stay and also I knew the town fairly well at this point. I would simply have to get adjusted to a new school, and I was ready to swallow the information at an unprecedented rate. I needed and wanted the knowledge.
I got into Burlington on a Friday and my class on French wine started the following Tuesday. In preparation, I went to the local library and Barnes & Noble to find every book I could get my hands on on French wine. I knew this would give me a head start.
I was excited to meet my classmates. I knew that some of us with have the same end-goal.
Since I had time, I was calling and talking with Samantha each nite. Samantha to this point had been such a good sport, that I knew I had to do something special. I could not let her even pay one dime for the trip to Tuscany. She had even been there when I deviated course from our relationship for just one nite. She had never left my side.
Additionally I was talking to Dad each nite. He, too, was excited that I had found the wine school and agreed it would be a good "next step". He had been telling me all along that this journey would be just that; a journey and a process. Undoubtedly, he was right, and it had been.
As I found my way back to the place I had stayed before, I laid my head on the pillow that nite and dreamed of Tuscany. In a a few months, we would be there.
Since I had spent time in Burlington, I knew exactly where to go back to. I knew I would have a place to stay and also I knew the town fairly well at this point. I would simply have to get adjusted to a new school, and I was ready to swallow the information at an unprecedented rate. I needed and wanted the knowledge.
I got into Burlington on a Friday and my class on French wine started the following Tuesday. In preparation, I went to the local library and Barnes & Noble to find every book I could get my hands on on French wine. I knew this would give me a head start.
I was excited to meet my classmates. I knew that some of us with have the same end-goal.
Since I had time, I was calling and talking with Samantha each nite. Samantha to this point had been such a good sport, that I knew I had to do something special. I could not let her even pay one dime for the trip to Tuscany. She had even been there when I deviated course from our relationship for just one nite. She had never left my side.
Additionally I was talking to Dad each nite. He, too, was excited that I had found the wine school and agreed it would be a good "next step". He had been telling me all along that this journey would be just that; a journey and a process. Undoubtedly, he was right, and it had been.
As I found my way back to the place I had stayed before, I laid my head on the pillow that nite and dreamed of Tuscany. In a a few months, we would be there.
Monday, November 24, 2014
While it was perhaps not the right thing to do, I left for Burlington the next day.
Vermont Wine School was where I would spend the remainder of my time in Vermont. Interestingly enough; and in my favor, they had a class schedule that started fresh every two weeks. I also knew that I would potentially, and most likely, meet some other people who may even be attempting to become sommeliers.
Each class consisted of five to seven weeks of instruction. They had topics that focused specifically on countries to one in particular that focused entirely on France...a tough nut to crack in the wine world. I decided that I would soak up every bit of knowledge that I could muster. It may have been like "drinking from a fire hose", but I felt sure this would help me toward my end goal.
Focusing on the country of France would be of great importance. Perhaps I would learn enough to help me get thru the advanced exam and further study of the country would certainly be required in order to master France. Either way, I knew one thing for sure...my job would always be dynamic. The wine world has changed so much in a century, and even in the past twenty-five years, as was explained in my first class on the first day surrounding French wine.
France is considered "Old World" wine, but even in the "Old World"; the advent of technology and viticulture techniques and practices and the like have come so far that many of the veterans of the business have had to change their ways and philosophies around making wine. What worked in the past and was simply repeated year after year was no more.
The French now needed to evolve as much as the rest of the wine world, and I was about to learn how.
Vermont Wine School was where I would spend the remainder of my time in Vermont. Interestingly enough; and in my favor, they had a class schedule that started fresh every two weeks. I also knew that I would potentially, and most likely, meet some other people who may even be attempting to become sommeliers.
Each class consisted of five to seven weeks of instruction. They had topics that focused specifically on countries to one in particular that focused entirely on France...a tough nut to crack in the wine world. I decided that I would soak up every bit of knowledge that I could muster. It may have been like "drinking from a fire hose", but I felt sure this would help me toward my end goal.
Focusing on the country of France would be of great importance. Perhaps I would learn enough to help me get thru the advanced exam and further study of the country would certainly be required in order to master France. Either way, I knew one thing for sure...my job would always be dynamic. The wine world has changed so much in a century, and even in the past twenty-five years, as was explained in my first class on the first day surrounding French wine.
France is considered "Old World" wine, but even in the "Old World"; the advent of technology and viticulture techniques and practices and the like have come so far that many of the veterans of the business have had to change their ways and philosophies around making wine. What worked in the past and was simply repeated year after year was no more.
The French now needed to evolve as much as the rest of the wine world, and I was about to learn how.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Just knowing who these people were after a quick search online would not be enough. I knew I needed to develop a group of people who would be able to meet regularly and taste wine.
I was working hard and earning good wages at the Balsams, but something told me it may be time to leave Vermont. It was January; and while winter would last three more months, I wondered if it was wise to consider spending my time here. I figured Dad would have some good advice.
Before writing Dad, I was working things out in my own mind. While I was earning a good living and living rent free at the Balsams, I knew I was missing out on opportunities to learn about the wine business. Simply serving it to high-end clientele was not enough to satisfy the burning desire in my heart; which was that I would pass the exams the first time.
Since Vermont was my state of choice for my pilgrimage, I began to search there. One quick search and click of the mouse and there it was! The Vermont Wine School!
I immediately put in my notice at the Balsams the following day and explained to them fully why I needed to be in Burlington...immediately. My boss was frustrated, but understood. I had explained to him my goals before starting, and this would be a natural extension of this goal. I sent for some information by mail to be sent to the resort, and I would call the next day on my lunch break.
When I talked to Samantha that evening, I told her about my exciting success in finding Vermont Wine School in Burlington. While I had been there once before, I was excited to return. Each time I realized that my new renewed focus was driving my career rather than just assumptions, I felt blessed. Both Dad and Mom; and Samantha, could see where I was headed and they were excited as well.
There was no looking back!
I was working hard and earning good wages at the Balsams, but something told me it may be time to leave Vermont. It was January; and while winter would last three more months, I wondered if it was wise to consider spending my time here. I figured Dad would have some good advice.
Before writing Dad, I was working things out in my own mind. While I was earning a good living and living rent free at the Balsams, I knew I was missing out on opportunities to learn about the wine business. Simply serving it to high-end clientele was not enough to satisfy the burning desire in my heart; which was that I would pass the exams the first time.
Since Vermont was my state of choice for my pilgrimage, I began to search there. One quick search and click of the mouse and there it was! The Vermont Wine School!
I immediately put in my notice at the Balsams the following day and explained to them fully why I needed to be in Burlington...immediately. My boss was frustrated, but understood. I had explained to him my goals before starting, and this would be a natural extension of this goal. I sent for some information by mail to be sent to the resort, and I would call the next day on my lunch break.
When I talked to Samantha that evening, I told her about my exciting success in finding Vermont Wine School in Burlington. While I had been there once before, I was excited to return. Each time I realized that my new renewed focus was driving my career rather than just assumptions, I felt blessed. Both Dad and Mom; and Samantha, could see where I was headed and they were excited as well.
There was no looking back!
As I wrote in my journal each nite, I could feel the fire in my gut burning as I knew wholeheartedly that this is what I was supposed to do with my life.
I began to do more and more research on the Tuscany region. This was undoubtedly going to be the trip of a lifetime; and I was taking Samantha with me. She enjoyed wine almost as much as I did, but I had "up-ed the ante" by making my choice in wine a career.
Along with my research was the wine. I began tasting five to six nights a week. I wrote everything down in my journal. The nose or bouquet of the wine, the colour when held to a bright light, the taste, the structure and the finish. I was easily journaling a full page for each wine, but it would take this type of detail to pass the advanced and master's exams. I made it a goal to pass both exams on the first try; something few that attempt this feat do. After all, there are less than two hundred Master Sommeliers in the world; so I was applying to an elite group at best.
I would need to find a few friend who were also studying for either the advanced or master's exams. It would be easier to taste with other people, and the camaraderie that we would have as we strive for the same goal would be motivating.
Samantha agreed that this was a conquest I could not do alone. I began searching for other people who might be attempting the same. After doing some research online and making a few phone calls, I had found a few people scattered throughout the New York and New Jersey area, and a couple in Florida who were already working at Disney and were enrolled in their study program.
I would have to find a way to get connected to these people, and Samantha agreed.
I began to do more and more research on the Tuscany region. This was undoubtedly going to be the trip of a lifetime; and I was taking Samantha with me. She enjoyed wine almost as much as I did, but I had "up-ed the ante" by making my choice in wine a career.
Along with my research was the wine. I began tasting five to six nights a week. I wrote everything down in my journal. The nose or bouquet of the wine, the colour when held to a bright light, the taste, the structure and the finish. I was easily journaling a full page for each wine, but it would take this type of detail to pass the advanced and master's exams. I made it a goal to pass both exams on the first try; something few that attempt this feat do. After all, there are less than two hundred Master Sommeliers in the world; so I was applying to an elite group at best.
I would need to find a few friend who were also studying for either the advanced or master's exams. It would be easier to taste with other people, and the camaraderie that we would have as we strive for the same goal would be motivating.
Samantha agreed that this was a conquest I could not do alone. I began searching for other people who might be attempting the same. After doing some research online and making a few phone calls, I had found a few people scattered throughout the New York and New Jersey area, and a couple in Florida who were already working at Disney and were enrolled in their study program.
I would have to find a way to get connected to these people, and Samantha agreed.
Friday, November 14, 2014
I looked into options for wine based tours, but I wanted to chart my own path.
I figured that Samantha and I could devise an appropriate itinerary and it would be up to me to call and make advance reservations for those smaller wineries and the most exclusive ones that would require advance notice.
There was one wine tour that did interest me, and that was the Food & Wine vacation tour. Sponsored by the magazine, this tour would certainly be designed to give me a taste of the best of both worlds; that being food and wine. I decided that we would do both. We would spend six days with food and wine vacations and then do another eight on our own.
I definitely wanted to visit Florence and Rome in my travels. Of the regions, Montepulciano, Montalcino and San Gimignano and Castellina would be at the top of the list. I would begin wine tasting the region while working at the Balsams with my spare cash, and then do research in the evenings to select the specific wineries that I wanted to target.
When I mentioned the Food & Wine tour to Samantha, she was ecstatic. We would both have to do some saving, but I agreed to fund most of the trip for the both of us. Samantha would come up with thirty-five percent and I the other sixty-five. It seemed fair enough, since I was currently working and she a full-time student. As we talked each Wednesday I would tell her about the wines that I was drinking. Additionally, I had started a wine blog to not only keep a record, but I thought it might someday be useful for a book on wine at some point in the future.
I was going to make this a career, and I was going to do it the right way!
I figured that Samantha and I could devise an appropriate itinerary and it would be up to me to call and make advance reservations for those smaller wineries and the most exclusive ones that would require advance notice.
There was one wine tour that did interest me, and that was the Food & Wine vacation tour. Sponsored by the magazine, this tour would certainly be designed to give me a taste of the best of both worlds; that being food and wine. I decided that we would do both. We would spend six days with food and wine vacations and then do another eight on our own.
I definitely wanted to visit Florence and Rome in my travels. Of the regions, Montepulciano, Montalcino and San Gimignano and Castellina would be at the top of the list. I would begin wine tasting the region while working at the Balsams with my spare cash, and then do research in the evenings to select the specific wineries that I wanted to target.
When I mentioned the Food & Wine tour to Samantha, she was ecstatic. We would both have to do some saving, but I agreed to fund most of the trip for the both of us. Samantha would come up with thirty-five percent and I the other sixty-five. It seemed fair enough, since I was currently working and she a full-time student. As we talked each Wednesday I would tell her about the wines that I was drinking. Additionally, I had started a wine blog to not only keep a record, but I thought it might someday be useful for a book on wine at some point in the future.
I was going to make this a career, and I was going to do it the right way!
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
When I returned from Canada, I went to work at the Balsams.
Being a resort, I was really making good money. Between those who were coming in from the cold to enjoy the spa, or just those who were there for the hotel and its amenities, I was seeing good tips on a regular basis.
Having decided to become a sommelier, I really dove into wine. I would use ten percent of my paycheck to order wine and have it shipped to my residence for late night pilgrimages to my makeshift cellar. It wasn't much, but it was something I was pouring (no pun intended) into my heart and soul each and every day.
There was France, Germany, Australia, Napa, Virginia, New York and smaller countries like Portugal that I dived into with abandon. I would have to have a broad scope of knowledge if I wanted to pass the advanced exam at Disney. Disney itself had produced many a sommelier, and I knew I could get training and experience next winter that would fully prepare me for the advanced and master's exams.
Knowing exactly how much time I had left in Vermont, I began making plans for Samantha and I for the summer. She was planning to take some summer classes, but would have a break in mid-July to go on a vacation. It was the Tuscany region of Italy that I became enamored with, so I proposed a trip for Samantha and I to the region. We would travel around Italy and taste wine. Perhaps not the most romantic vacation; us being the lushes that we were, but I needed the knowledge and the practice with tasting.
When Samantha and I talked that Wednesday nite, we began making plans.
Being a resort, I was really making good money. Between those who were coming in from the cold to enjoy the spa, or just those who were there for the hotel and its amenities, I was seeing good tips on a regular basis.
Having decided to become a sommelier, I really dove into wine. I would use ten percent of my paycheck to order wine and have it shipped to my residence for late night pilgrimages to my makeshift cellar. It wasn't much, but it was something I was pouring (no pun intended) into my heart and soul each and every day.
There was France, Germany, Australia, Napa, Virginia, New York and smaller countries like Portugal that I dived into with abandon. I would have to have a broad scope of knowledge if I wanted to pass the advanced exam at Disney. Disney itself had produced many a sommelier, and I knew I could get training and experience next winter that would fully prepare me for the advanced and master's exams.
Knowing exactly how much time I had left in Vermont, I began making plans for Samantha and I for the summer. She was planning to take some summer classes, but would have a break in mid-July to go on a vacation. It was the Tuscany region of Italy that I became enamored with, so I proposed a trip for Samantha and I to the region. We would travel around Italy and taste wine. Perhaps not the most romantic vacation; us being the lushes that we were, but I needed the knowledge and the practice with tasting.
When Samantha and I talked that Wednesday nite, we began making plans.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Samantha,
I wanted to write you to explain the revelation that came to me while hiking in Canada. I have decided to definitely pursue becoming a sommelier.
I feel such a relief now that I have some direction. As I explained to Dad, I have an outline for my plan. I will finish my exploration of Vermont and what it has to offer. I intend to spend the summer with you and hope that we can make some plans together and make some lasting memories.
In the fall it is off to Chateau Montelena to work the harvest season. Finally, I will travel to Disney, work there and prepare for the advanced exam.
I am excited to see the rest of Vermont thru the lens of someone that has direction. I know that with my vision, goals and dreams in front of me, I can take a valiant stab at becoming one of less that two hundred sommeliers in the world. It is an elite group for sure.
I pray that you are well in Boston. Your studies, I feel sure, are coming along. I will call later in the week to check in.
Best,
Me
I wanted to write you to explain the revelation that came to me while hiking in Canada. I have decided to definitely pursue becoming a sommelier.
I feel such a relief now that I have some direction. As I explained to Dad, I have an outline for my plan. I will finish my exploration of Vermont and what it has to offer. I intend to spend the summer with you and hope that we can make some plans together and make some lasting memories.
In the fall it is off to Chateau Montelena to work the harvest season. Finally, I will travel to Disney, work there and prepare for the advanced exam.
I am excited to see the rest of Vermont thru the lens of someone that has direction. I know that with my vision, goals and dreams in front of me, I can take a valiant stab at becoming one of less that two hundred sommeliers in the world. It is an elite group for sure.
I pray that you are well in Boston. Your studies, I feel sure, are coming along. I will call later in the week to check in.
Best,
Me
Friday, November 7, 2014
Dad,
While hiking thru Canada I came to a realization. It was like a light bulb that flipped on. I am going to be a sommelier!
I have passed the entrance exam and with my time in food and wine service, I qualify to take the advanced exam. I will travel to Disney next winter and plan to get a job and take the advanced exam at Disney.
Having come to this realization, I know why I had to go to Vermont. I finally have some clarity in my thought and on my life. Where I want to go, how to get there and the steps to take.
My calendar for the next little bit is full. I will work in Beecher Falls at the resort for the next little bit, and there may be one more place in Vermont that I need to explore. At this point, that is to be determined. I will spend the summer with Samantha. After that, it is off to California and Chateau Montelena to work the harvest season on that amazing property. I could not be more excited for that opportunity and I feel it will serve me well on my resume and for my growth and development in my chosen industry. Finally, I will spend the winter in Disney and take the advanced sommelier exam in the spring.
Hopefully this letter finds you well. I pray that you and Mom are doing more and more things each day, and are enjoying the fruits of your labour.
Best,
Your Son
While hiking thru Canada I came to a realization. It was like a light bulb that flipped on. I am going to be a sommelier!
I have passed the entrance exam and with my time in food and wine service, I qualify to take the advanced exam. I will travel to Disney next winter and plan to get a job and take the advanced exam at Disney.
Having come to this realization, I know why I had to go to Vermont. I finally have some clarity in my thought and on my life. Where I want to go, how to get there and the steps to take.
My calendar for the next little bit is full. I will work in Beecher Falls at the resort for the next little bit, and there may be one more place in Vermont that I need to explore. At this point, that is to be determined. I will spend the summer with Samantha. After that, it is off to California and Chateau Montelena to work the harvest season on that amazing property. I could not be more excited for that opportunity and I feel it will serve me well on my resume and for my growth and development in my chosen industry. Finally, I will spend the winter in Disney and take the advanced sommelier exam in the spring.
Hopefully this letter finds you well. I pray that you and Mom are doing more and more things each day, and are enjoying the fruits of your labour.
Best,
Your Son
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
My trip to Canada would prove to be fruitful.
As I was hiking, I came to the realization amongst nature of what I really wanted to do. I was going to be a sommelier.
I was already a entry-level one sommelier. I had enough time in beer and wine service to sit for the advanced exam, so this would be the next step.
I decided to go to Disney to take the exam, and would go after harvest in the fall at Chateau Montelena to gear up for the exam.
I spent the next few days in the woods hiking thru Canada. My heart and soul were like the rushing falls of Niagara. I felt a soothing calm about the decision that I made. This time, my first call was to my father and mother. Then Samantha. It had taken me nearly three months in Vermont to make my path clear, but there was work to be done.
I returned to Beecher Falls and started working. I had a few months left in Vermont, the summer planned with Samantha, the fall in California and then off to Disney. It was exciting to know that I had a plan in place. My time had not been wasted frolicking around Vermont.
I had to write Dad and Samantha...
As I was hiking, I came to the realization amongst nature of what I really wanted to do. I was going to be a sommelier.
I was already a entry-level one sommelier. I had enough time in beer and wine service to sit for the advanced exam, so this would be the next step.
I decided to go to Disney to take the exam, and would go after harvest in the fall at Chateau Montelena to gear up for the exam.
I spent the next few days in the woods hiking thru Canada. My heart and soul were like the rushing falls of Niagara. I felt a soothing calm about the decision that I made. This time, my first call was to my father and mother. Then Samantha. It had taken me nearly three months in Vermont to make my path clear, but there was work to be done.
I returned to Beecher Falls and started working. I had a few months left in Vermont, the summer planned with Samantha, the fall in California and then off to Disney. It was exciting to know that I had a plan in place. My time had not been wasted frolicking around Vermont.
I had to write Dad and Samantha...
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