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.