I love to drink wine, study wine, talk about wine, and share my wine passions with others.

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I have been fortunate to call Flagstaff home for over 30 years, where we raised two great kids and a spoiled dog. I  love the outdoors and enjoy hiking and mountain biking and exploring wineries and breweries.

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I wear many ‘hats’ as a tour guide for AZ Private Tours for custom tours of the Central AZ wine region,  hospitality educator and food/beverage consultant that teaching  food and beverage classes at the renowned School of Hotel / Restaurant Management at Northern Arizona University, as well as working and teaching classes with other universities. He has developed and taught classes in beer, wine, coffee, spirits and cheese. In my spare time, I consult with bars/restaurants/tap and tasting rooms to improve their beer, wine, customer service programs.  I also teach classes and seminars, bars, restaurants and homes  to consumers seeking to further their understanding of beverages. I developed an online wine server training program for Washington State University and Washington State wineries, and just completed the 2nd edition of a beverage management textbook.

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I earned a Doctoral degree from Northern Arizona University, an MBA from the University of Rhode Island, a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Business from Michigan State University, as well as an  Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson and Wales University.  I am working on a certificate in wine business management from Washington State University. I also earned Certified Beer Server Certificate from the Cicerone Certification program. In the wine world, the word "sommelier" designates those with proven expertise in selecting, acquiring, and serving fine wine. Cicerone® Certification Program has become the industry standard for identifying those with significant knowledge and professional skills in beer sales and service. as well as level 1 sommelier with the Court of  Master Sommeliers, The Court of Master Sommeliers sets the global standard of excellence for beverage service within the hospitality industry with integrity, exemplary knowledge, and humility. I am working is studying for the Certified Cicerone and Certified Wine Specialist Certificates.

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We travel extensively and have visited all of the wine regions in California, most of the wine regions in Oregon and Washington.  I have also toured the major wine regions of Italy, Germany, and France.