Notes from The Wineologist

A Sip and Study Guide to Debunking Myths and Choosing Your First Real Set There is a moment, usually early on, when you notice that wine glasses are not all the same. Some are wide and rounded. Others are tall and narrow. Some feel elegant and precise, while others feel more casual and familiar. It is natural to wonder if any of it really matters. We have all been there, standing in front of a shelf of glassware, wondering why one glass looks like a fishbowl while another is

There is a quiet hesitation that often surrounds wine education. A concern that learning more will somehow take away the ease. That it will turn something simple into something serious, replacing enjoyment with analysis. It is an understandable feeling, especially in a world where wine can sometimes be presented as overly technical or exclusive. In reality, the opposite is true. Wine education, when approached with the right intention, does not complicate the experience. It d

A wine collection does not begin with rarity or price. It begins with curiosity. There is a common idea that collecting wine requires expertise, a large budget, or a dedicated cellar. For most people, none of that is true. A meaningful wine collection is not about having more. It is about choosing with intention. Your collection can be as simple as a few bottles you are excited to open. The first step is to shift how you think about what you are buying. Instead of asking what

Walking into your first wine tasting class can feel like stepping into something unfamiliar. There is often a quiet question in the back of your mind. Will I know enough. Will I say the wrong thing. Will I actually enjoy this. The truth is much simpler. A well-designed wine class is not about what you know. It is about what you notice. When you arrive, you will be welcomed into a relaxed, guided environment. You will have a seat, a set of glasses, and space to settle in. Ther

One of the first distinctions you will hear in wine is Old World versus New World. It may sound technical at first, but it is simply a helpful way to understand style. Old World wines come from traditional European regions such as France, Italy, and Spain. These wines tend to be more restrained, with higher acidity and a focus on balance and place. The flavors are often more subtle, with fruit supported by earth, herbs, or mineral notes. New World wines come from regions like

Wine is often surrounded by unspoken rules. Some are helpful. Many are not. Over time, these ideas can make wine feel more complicated than it needs to be, especially for those who are simply trying to enjoy what is in their glass. The truth is, most of these “rules” are not rules at all. They are habits, traditions, or assumptions that have been repeated often enough to feel true. When you begin to question them, wine becomes much more approachable. Myth 1: Expensive wine is

Grow your wine knowledge with confidence. If you’ve ever wished you understood wine more deeply or simply wanted to feel more confident when tasting, talking about, or choosing wine you’re in the right place. At The Wineologist, I’ve created a structured three-level education pathway designed to meet you exactly where you are and help you grow at a pace that feels comfortable, approachable, and enjoyable. Whether you’re brand new to wine or ready to explore advanced concepts

Wine education is far more than simply tasting from a glass; it is an immersive exploration of history, culture, and craftsmanship. At The Wineologist, learning environments are intentionally designed to support understanding, curiosity, and confidence. Each experience is structured to help students observe, analyze, and connect with wine thoughtfully and purposefully. Whether you are just beginning your wine journey or refining an already developed palate, there are many eng

Wine is more than a beverage; it is a subject shaped by place, history, and craftsmanship. Yet for many, understanding wine can feel intimidating. That’s where The Wineologist comes in. Through professional, personalized wine education guided by Suzanne Bonham, DipWSET, learners transform uncertainty into confidence and develop a clear, thoughtful approach to experiencing wine with curiosity and enjoyment. Why Wine Education Matters At The Wineologist, wine education is desig

Wine is more than a beverage; it is a subject rich in history, culture, and sensory exploration. Whether you are a casual enthusiast enjoying wine with meals or a curious learner eager to explore grape varieties, regions, and terroirs, developing wine knowledge can greatly enhance both understanding and appreciation. Each bottle reflects a unique intersection of place, climate, and craftsmanship, offering insight into how wine is grown, made, and experienced. Wine education o