Let me take you back to where it all began for me. I was in my early twenties, hustling my way through life, working as a waiter on a cruise ship. It was a tough job—long hours, a busy schedule, little sleep. But I didn’t hate it. I actually loved parts of it. For example, meeting every kind of person from all walks of life. Talking to them, making them laugh, listening to their stories. Little did I know that one such encounter would give a completely new direction to my life. On a 28-day cruise around Australia, one of my guests started telling me stories about the wines he ordered. His passion was contagious. I was looking forward to serving him each night. The cruise was coming to an end, and this amazing person made one more kind and thoughtful gesture—one that would shape my entire career. He gave me my first wine book, with the foretelling title “Wine Wise.” And that was it for me.

You see, that book opened my eyes to the world of wine in a way I never thought before. It wasn’t about elitism or snobbery; it was about enjoyment, discovery, and sharing moments with others. From that moment on, I was hooked. I dove into everything wine-related, soaking up knowledge like a sponge and eagerly sharing my newfound passion with anyone who would listen.

But it wasn’t just about learning; it was about finding my calling. Wine became more than just a beverage; it became my avenue for connection, education, and ultimately, my livelihood. I discovered that I had a knack for simplifying the complex world of wine, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their level of expertise.