Sometimes, the best ideas come over a casual lunch, and for me, one of those moments happened earlier this year. I was sitting across the table from my good friend, Bhaj Johnson. Like most of our conversations, we were talking about life and finding more purpose in our day to day. While exploring a few options to add more purpose, Bhaj says “You know, you should think about going for your Master Sommelier Level 1 and I'll do it with you.” It was one of those off-hand comments that, in hindsight, turned out to be the spark for a new chapter in my wine education.
At the time, I was already familiar with California wines, but it never occurred to me how intriguing it would be to explore other regions. Bhaj, a true wine lover who lives and breathes French wines, saw something in me that I hadn’t fully recognized yet: a desire to dig deeper into the world of wine and unlock its secrets. The thought of delving into the finer details of wine varietals and expanding my understanding of wine as a whole felt like the perfect next step. And that’s how the journey to Master Sommelier Level 1 began.
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| Bhaj Passes Master Sommelier Level 1 |
From Inspiration to Action: A Weekend in Pasadena
Bhaj and I were both excited by the idea, and before we knew it, we were planning our trip to Pasadena for the Level 1 exam. It wasn’t just about the exam itself—it was about the learning process. We were both eager to deepen our understanding of wine, from its production to its pairing with food, all while enhancing our ability to identify and discuss different varietals with precision and expertise.
The weekend in Pasadena was a whirlwind of preparation and anticipation. We spent countless hours reviewing tasting notes, memorizing wine regions, and practicing the deductive tasting method. But the excitement was contagious, and every moment felt like an adventure. Whether we were discussing French wine regions or tasting through flights of varietals, it was clear that Bhaj’s encouragement had lit a fire in both of us. And when we finally passed the, it felt like one of the greatest accomplishments of my wine journey—a testament to the hard work, the passion, and the great company along the way.
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| Wine Tasted in Class |
Why Wine Scholars Was Born
The journey didn’t stop there. Bhaj and I were both excited by the prospect of continuing our wine education, but we didn't know how. I loved the idea of exploring wine varietals in a more structured way, but I also wanted to create a space where others could share in the experience. And so thanks to Bhaj's encouragement and support, the idea for Wine Scholars was born. I wanted to build a community where people could learn about different wines, taste a wide range of varietals, and deepen their appreciation for what wine truly represents.
The blind tastings that I now host are an extension of that shared curiosity. Each session is designed to challenge our palates, expand our knowledge, and introduce new wines that we might not have explored on our own. But more than that, Wine Scholars is about community. It's about coming together with friends, like Bhaj, and discovering the complexities and joys of wine in an interactive, supportive environment.
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter
As I reflect on my journey—from Bhaj’s encouragement to traveling to Pasadena and passing the Master Sommelier Level 1 exam—I’m filled with gratitude and excitement. This milestone is just the beginning. With Wine Scholars, I'm on a mission to explore more varietals, share my experiences with others, and continue growing in wine knowledge together.
Cheers to friendship and the endless adventure of learning about wine!
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