Public Classes & Tastings

Fun education is one of my greatest passions. Teaching others to enjoy the stories behind food and drink connects us and brings something extra special to the shared experience. I cover everything from basic ABC’s of wine and spirits, cocktails, and food pairing. Niche and geeky genres encouraged, especially when it involves chocolate and/or cheese.

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Private Events

Wine and spirits can create that special touch at your private event.  Whether you’re looking for a knowledgeable Sommelier to pair wines at your sit-down dinner, a selection of mezcal for an informal party, or looking to build an event around a fun guided tasting, I’d love to be a part of your next occasion. Always customized, you and your guests are in for a treat.  Referrals and examples of tasting events available upon request.

Staff Training

Having a well-trained staff is key to smooth and happy operations. Sales staff and others in the service industry do their jobs best – and create the happiest customers – when they are educated about their wine and spirits inventory. My experience in wholesale and retail, as well as front and back of house, allows me to work successfully with a wide range of people.

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Beverage Consulting & Formulation

A thoughtful and delicious beverage program is a mark of distinction and enjoyment. I can help refine or construct wine, spirits and cocktail lists to reflect both international and regional concepts. My services extend to include seasonal maintenance and basic team training, development of in house materials, and strategies to increase the overall success of your program.

In addition to consulting on in house beverage programs, I am available to consult on beverage formulations for spirits and ready to drink (RTD) alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages. Please inquire for a list of past clients and references.

Trade Seminars

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With the explosion of new wines and spirits, trade seminars are becoming increasingly important venues to get the word out to where it counts. With the combination of one-on-one interaction and the possibilities of leveraging digital media, having a vibrant presence helps create success. If you are looking to engage sommeliers, buyers, importers and other beverage professionals in a dynamic way, I can design and lead a seminar that will get people tasting, thinking and talking about your products.

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Speaker, Moderator & Judge

I am a resident wine and spirits judge with Ultimate Beverage Challenge as well as a regular guest judge for food and beverage competitions both nationally and internationally. I am an experienced moderator and speaker for live and virtual panels.

QUOTES & TESTIMONIALS

As quoted in the New York Times here

As quoted in Business Insider here & here

As quoted in the Wall Street Journal here

Featured in El Restaurante here & here

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Tess was a great instructor. Very knowledgeable about Agave Spirits and the information she shared was relevant and interesting. Very happy with her class!-

(Agave Smackdown Tequila vs. Mezcal)

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Learned a lot and loved the whole experience. Tess was A+.- (Italian Wine Workshop)

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I thought the instructor was great - very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about cider!- (Cider 101)

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Tess was great, your facilities are great, I love the way you've turned your outfit into a kind of community center/educational center. Very professional, very pleasing and helpful. You're making me a happier and better-informed drinker -- nice for me as well as (I hope) nice for you. Win-win.- (Cider)

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Our instructor was incredibly inviting and very personable! She was informative and it was obvious to see her passion for the subject.-  (Tequila Cocktail Lab)

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Instructor was great,  informative without being preachy,  authoritative without being obnoxious,  and a real live of the subject... She's a keeper. - (Wines of Tuscany)

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I loved our instructor. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and there was clarity in the way she presented the material and explained often elusive concepts. All this without a grain of condescension so often present in other wine specialists. - (Wines of Piedmont)