Ep 625: The Next Leap in Professional Wine Education with Keith Wallace of the Wine School of Philadelphia

Keith Wallace is the founder of The Wine School of Philadelphia, which is respected and known throughout the wine industry.

In 2001, Keith opened a small wine school in Philly and, from a grassroots effort, built The Wine School Philadelphia into the most influential independent wine school in the country. He is a passionate advocate for integrity in the industry and for wine education.

 

And in a revolutionary move for wine education, he has created a US-based sommelier certification agency that doesn't rely on foreign oversight (like the Court of Master Sommeliers or the Wine & Spirits Education Trust) and that offers REAL credentials to wine professionals looking to get into the industry or to improve their knowledge of wine. That effort comes from the National Wine School and from the Philly Wine School, which offer classes in person and online. Both grant a recognized trade-school credential for students.

Today, the Philly Wine School offers classes in wine, beer, spirits, and cocktails, all taught by top professionals. Alumni work across the industry: in wineries, restaurants, import firms, and media outlets.

 

Keith talks about the evolution of this program over the last 25 years. We discuss how a practical trade school education in wine is needed and the gaps in current programming that this credential and trade school fill.

 

_____________________________________________________

Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. Become a member today!

www.patreon.com/winefornormalpeople

 

To register for an AWESOME, LIVE OR on-demand WFNP class with Elizabeth or get a class gift certificate for the wine lover in your life go to: www.winefornormalpeople.com/classes