Expertise:  I am a specialist in wines from California, the Pacific Northwest, Australia and the Rhone. My specialties are the business and marketing of wine, professional wine evaluation, and wine writing. I have limited experience in winemaking for the home enthusiast but a broader knowledge in viticulture and the wine regions of the world. I prefer not to answer valuation questions but if asked, I will provide answers based in the US market.

Experience in the area
Currently the Wine Director for Sunset Magazine's Wine Club, I founded the First Street Wine Company in Livermore, California. As former restaurant sommelier, I have over 10 years of experience in the wine industry and am an Advanced Certified Wine Professional of the Culinary Institute of America. As a specialist in New World wines, especially Syrah/Shiraz, I have studied extensively the wines of California, Australia, the Rhone Valley, and the Pacific Northwest. Accepted to the Institute of Masters of Wine program in 2006, I taste hundreds of wines annually. I have served as a wine judge for many California wine competitions. A graduate of the University of California at Davis, I have produced and bottled my own private-label wine for four vintages. My wine reviews have been published in Diablo Magazine and in various on-line newsletters, including Sunset Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, Intowine.com and others.

Publications
Sunset Magazine, Diablo Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, Intowine.com

Education/Credentials
Certified Wine Professional Advanced, Culinary Institute of America Master of Wine Candidate