Losing my Virginity As a Wine-Educator…

I was working wine wholesale in NY, and a retailer friend asked me to speak for his wine society. I agreed. I forgot to consult my nerves on the decision, and come the night of the tasting, they were particularly tangled up. The gathered group was just over 30, and I was alone on the podium. I had my pre-game thoughts written out on index cards. As I looked at the cards, I could not get my brain to get the written words to come out of my mouth. Finally, I said, “OK, lets taste the first wine.” I picked up my glass, gave it a swirl and two ounces of wine were decorating my white shirt and tie. A big exhale, and then I spoke: “Well, the only way to know how much someone is into wine, is by how much they have on their clothes!” One one-liner followed another, and so with that went my wine-educator virginity. I have had a great time teaching ever since.