Today, I started the long process towards WSET Diploma - A 2-3 year effort to obtain one of the highest levels of wine certification available. Before I headed out on this challenge, I decided to pursue the American Wine Expert and Napa Valley Expert certifications. American Wine Expert was a fantastic course and certification and I was thrilled to pass that exam about a two weeks ago and I am waiting to receive my certificate any day now. Napa Valley Wine Expert was very different from the other 5 certifications that I achieved in the last 13 months. The course and test were on-line and I received immediate notification of passing. The downloadable certificate is already on the wall next to my certificate for Italian Wine Professional. All of these coursed offer something unique in the world of wine and Napa Valley was no different. Prohibition with the 18th Amendment (reversed with the 21st Amendment) nearly killed the wine business of the United States and left Napa with very few pioneers. Robert Mondavi opened his winery in 1966 and Napa has essentially had a half-century to develop into one of the leading wine regions of the world. Four major pivot points have brought a unique culture to Napa wine. Varietal labeling rather than the location driven labeling of Europe opened a different path for American and Napa wines and it is something we think little of today but represents a break from World tradition. The 1976 Paris Tasting put Napa wine ahead or at least on par with French wines and immediately showed the potential of the area. Napa was on the map and has never looked back. White Zinfandel - a white or rather pink wine made from a black grape opened a huge wine market in the United States and leads wine sales in the United States even today. The French Paradox - an episode of 60 minutes showed the health benefits of red wine and the investment in high quality (and high priced) wines took off. Any way you look at it, Napa is a center of innovation and continues to evolve. The over 600 wineries range from traditional to experimental, contain art museums, work with various levels of technology, and manage their vineyards with ever advancing organic methods. There is no singular approach to Napa wine and this course reminded me of the great history and recent innovations that allow the artists of Napa to express the terror and the fruit in diverse and beautiful ways. Napa Valley Wine Expert was a short side trip on my longer voyage in the wine studies world but definitely one worth taking. Enjoy some Napa wine today and consider taking this course. I am proud that I did.
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5/8/2024 09:17:43 pm
Your beautiful image postings on your blogs transport me to the streets of Paris with just a glance. Each photo captures a moment in time, evoking a sense of nostalgia and wanderlust. Whether it's the glistening lights of the Eiffel Tower or the charming cobblestone streets of Montmartre, your photography skills bring Paris to life in vivid detail. Thank you for sharing your talent and allowing me to experience the beauty of Paris through your lens!
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Dennis SmithHome Chef and Wine Snob Archives
October 2021
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