Q: What does a typical tasting experience look like?

A: My wine tasting experiences are relaxed, practical and fun! I’ll guide you through each wine with demonstrations, insights, and approachable tasting techniques—no snobbery here! I tailor the experience to your group’s preferences and style, whether it’s a birthday party, anniversary, or just a special night with friends. It will feel like an entertaining and engaging wine lesson! 

Q: Are you a representative of a retail wine company and will you be pushing wine sales during your session?

A: No, I am not a sales associate or a wine consultant tied to a wine company. I am completely independent--a small business owner who just enjoys teaching others about wine and bringing community together. I love to give recommendations of wine and local wineries/wine bars, but I won't be pushing sales onto you or your guests. Instead, I'll be sending them a wine list after the experience so they know where they can purchase the wines they loved.

Q: Do you provide the wine for the tasting?

A: To follow California regulations, I operate as a dry hire, which means clients provide the wine for their tasting experience. But don't worry--I make the process super easy. I can send you a customized shopping list, links to order online, or we can even use wines you already have at home. You get full flexibility and cost-effectiveness by choosing bottles that fit your budget.

Q: What does the cost of your experiences cover?

A: The cost of my experiences covers the expertise, planning, preparation, and professional facilitation required to create a memorable wine education experience.

Each experience is thoughtfully designed to be engaging, approachable, and personalized for your group. Behind the scenes, I spend time curating wine selections, designing the educational flow, creating tasting materials, preparing activities, and ensuring every detail is ready for your event. During the experience, I guide your guests through interactive education and conversation that makes learning about wine fun, welcoming, and accessible.

I like to compare it to a teacher preparing for a class. While the lesson itself may last only an hour or two, many additional hours are spent researching, planning, and preparing to ensure a high-quality learning experience. Your investment covers not only the time spent with your guests, but also the expertise and preparation that bring the experience to life.

Q: Are you a sommelier?

A: I hold a Level 1 Sommelier certificate and I have years of experience facilitating private wine tasting sessions and tours of wine-making production at a top tier winery in Temecula, CA. I also teach college courses and lead professional development workshops for college personnel for a living, so I have a very fun and engaging teaching style!

Q: Can you help me with food pairings?

A: Absolutely! For an additional fee for groups up to 6 guests, I’ll include a cheese pairing component to elevate your tasting session. There is a small additional fee per person beyond 6 guests.

Q: What areas do you serve?

A: I’m based in Chula Vista, CA and primarily serve clients in the greater San Diego County area. If you’re a bit further out, let’s chat—I’m happy to see if we can make it work!

Q: How far in advance should I book?

A: I recommend reaching out at least 4-6 weeks before your preferred date, especially if you’re planning a larger gathering. We also need time leading up to the event to discuss and finalize your wine tasting flight and any other details to make your experience perfect. I’ll do my best to accommodate your schedule!

Q: Do you have liability insurance?

A: Yes, I am licensed and insured as a wine education facilitator for peace of mind. 

Q: How does payment work?

A: To secure your wine tasting lesson, I require a 50% deposit or $200 (whichever is lower) at the time of booking confirmation. This helps me hold the date for you and begin preparing the tasting experience! After signing the event agreement, you will receive an email invoice with the full experience cost and you'll have the option to select "Partial Payment" to submit your deposit. I also have other options for securing your experience if you are having your guests pay for themselves. I accept payment via Venmo, Zelle, credit card (in-person during the experience), or cash. 

Q: What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

A: I understand that plans can change! I’ll do my best to accommodate rescheduling requests whenever possible! If you need to cancel, please let me know at least 7 days before your tasting date to be eligible for a full refund of your deposit. If you cancel within 7 days of the event, your deposit will be forfeited since I’ve set aside that time just for you and I will have already done most of the prep work. 

Q: Do you charge a travel fee?

A: Yes, a travel fee is required for every booked event to cover the cost of gas, vehicle wear and tear, and travel time.

Travel fees are calculated based on one-way distance from Chula Vista, CA 91915:

• 0–10 miles = $20

• 11-25 miles = $40

• 26-50 miles = $75

• 51+ miles = custom quote

Any event located more than 80 miles from Chula Vista, CA 91915 is considered a Destination Tasting. Because these events require extended travel and take up my full day, additional arrangements apply:

• A destination event minimum of $750 (applies toward per-person costs)

• $1.50 per mile (round trip)

• Hotel accommodation: $225 flat rate (to be included in your invoice)