Meet WSA Alum, Deb Stilwell

WSA Grad: Deborah Stilwell
WSET Intermediate Certificate, 2007 and Advanced Certificate, Summer 2008
Position: Weekend Lead and Wine Educator, DeLille Cellars Carriage House

It was a lack of basic information and training available at previous winery jobs that led Deb Stilwell to seek out the WSET program. Deb began her studies for the Intermediate Certificate program independently and exclaims, “It was the first time in my life I came across a subject where I realized how much there was to know and that I had SO much to learn. I didn't find this depressing but rather, exciting.” After sitting the IC exam with the WSA in Portland, she dove right into the Advanced Certificate program in a Seattle class. Deb now conducts wine education classes both in her position as the Weekend Lead and Wine Educator at DeLille Cellars in Woodinville, WA, and while conducting staff training for the new Wines of Washington tasting room in Snohomish, WA. She has also taught a Wine Basics class at the Seattle branch of Le Cordon Bleu and plans to continue teaching there. Deb is a real testament to the power of a WSET education!

Meet WSA Alum, David Rosenthal

This is the first post in a regular series profiling WSA alums. Allow us to introduce you to . . .

David Rosenthal
WSET Advanced Certificate, Spring 2008
Position: Assistant Winemaker, Chateau Ste. Michelle

David Rosenthal began his wine career as a laboratory technician. As his passion for wine grew, he realized he needed to develop his palate and broaden his understanding of the world of wine. That led him to the WSA and the WSET Advanced Certificate program. David says that the WSET program is “dynamic, thorough, and well respected,” and that the knowledge he gained has helped him define his approach to making wine. In his current position as Assistant Winemaker at Chateau Ste. Michelle, David uses what he learned through WSET to make decisions about fermentation, blending, and overall wine style. David adds, “I am grateful to the WSA for helping to advance my career and for making wine education fun and interesting.”

Special WSA Member Tasting - The Wines of Lopez de Heredia

Thankfully there are still a few old school Rioja produces out there making the heavily oxidized, American oak-influenced Riojas that defined this historic region. And Lopez de Heredia is certainly on top of that pack. In this tasting we will explore this unique winemaker's line up from white to rosé to Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva reds. If you haven't tasted Old School Rioja before, prepare to have your wine world rocked!

As a special thank you to our WSA members, this tasting will only be $5 ($20 for everyone else). We hope you can make it!

Friday, August 19, 2011. 5-7pm. Drop in anytime and stay as long as you like.

* Can you identify this picture? These are Lopez de Heredia wine bottles undergoing extended (and dusty aging). They are released when the producer determines they are ready to drink - the Old School Rioja way!

Mix Magazine Features Our "Wine Class in a Box"

It was selected as a great holiday idea, but we think it's a good thing to have on hand year round. Pick up our "12 @ $12" Wine Case for yourself and you'll be learning more every time you open a bottle! Each of our seasonal selections comes with a neck tag with info about the wine's region, grape variety and producer.

See what Mix Magazine has to say: http://www.oregonlive.com/mix/index.ssf/people-events-stuff/our-good-gift-ideas-for-the-holidays.html

Make 2011 the Year to "Learn More About Wine"

This year, take your self-improvement resolutions beyond the standard fare of "eating healthier" and "exercising more" - both respectable goals, but not always so much fun . . .

Why not resolve to "expand your palate" or "drink better" or "enjoy yourself more?" If you agree to accept this challenge, we'd like to help!

We think the best way to make 2011 the year you Learn More About Wine is to enroll in our 2011 Wine Passport Series and join us each month for a class focusing on the wines from a specific region. A monthly class guarantees that you get your wine fix 12 times a year (smaller memberships are also available).

Or if you want to learn at home, pick up our seasonal "12 @ $12" Wine Case. Each bottle is tagged with information about the region, grape and producer so with every bottle you open, you know you'll be learning something!