The Wine Knows

Today, I chatted with Angelo Tavernaro, a fellow judge at the Tri-Cities Wine Festival competition. The Master Sommelier and certified wine educator will begin teaching a certification course early next year at Columbia Basin College in Pasco, Wash., on how to work in a tasting room.

This is something of great need as the Washington wine industry continues to expand. I regularly hear from wineries looking for qualified folks to stand behind the tasting bar and guide guests through the wines they are pouring.

Many of those who work in tasting rooms are retirees who have a great passion for wine. I've run into plenty of good ones - and many who could use some more formal training.

This kind of program is right up Tavernaro's alley, as he has decades of experience in the wine service industry, primarily in Las Vegas. The fact that he now lives in the Yakima Valley is a great opportunity for wineries in Washington wine country.