Champagne is sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wine is Champagne. Why?

As we approach Earth Day, I wanted to teach you more about the special viticulture practices that aim to be environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially equitable.

When I share my business concept with people, their usual comment is, “Wow, you’re a sommelier?” Well, no. Not quite. I am a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW). It's a certification awarded by the Society of Wine Educators for passing a rigorous test designed for those focused on academic knowledge and education. A sommelier, on the other hand, is somebody who serves wine in a restaurant or winery business. Being a CSW allows me to legally and knowledgeably pour wine at private events.

How I fell in love with wine.