Kathy Merchant
I fell in love with the experience of wine in Napa Valley nearly 25 years ago. While still working full-time as a foundation CEO, I embarked on a learning journey that continues today. I am passionate about sharing stories of people and places, educating wine lovers, and creating fun experiences.
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Wine Scholar Guild. French Wine Scholar
Society of Wine Educators . Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW)
Wine and Spirit Education Trust. Level 4 Diploma in Wines and Spirits
Society of Wine Educators . Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW)
Wine and Spirit Education Trust. Level 4 Diploma in Wines and Spirits
EXPERIENCE
Cincinnati International Wine Festival. Auction Committee Chair
HART + CRU. Wine Writer
French Wine Explorers. Wine Writer, Italy Tour Host
American Wine School. Wine Educator
Vino Ventures Cincinnati. Wine Writer; Wine Events
HART + CRU. Wine Writer
French Wine Explorers. Wine Writer, Italy Tour Host
American Wine School. Wine Educator
Vino Ventures Cincinnati. Wine Writer; Wine Events
SKILLS & EXPERTISE
Wine Writer
Wine Educator
Wine and Food Pairing
Wine Educator
Wine and Food Pairing
Regional Expertise: Italy
Regional Expertise: France
Regional Expertise: California
Regional Expertise: France
Regional Expertise: California
I fell in love with the experience of wine in Napa Valley nearly 25 years ago. While still working full-time as a foundation CEO, I embarked on a learning journey that continues today. I am passionate about sharing stories of people and places, educating wine lovers, and creating fun experiences.
MY LIGHT BULB MOMENT
I had two “ah hah” moments. The first was a visit to wine country in California. It was something like “where have you been all my life”? The second was in the course of helping a friend design a new wine-related business. As an educated professional in another sector, I knew I needed formal education in the world of wine. Vino Ventures Cincinnati is my “second act.” Share
Kathy Merchant
Cincinnati
United States
Vino Ventures Cincinnati
Wine Consultant
Cincinnati
United States
Vino Ventures Cincinnati
Wine Consultant
After completing WSET Diploma in 2011, Kathy Merchant launched a wine consulting business around four areas of expertise and passion: education, events, travel, and writing.
As wine educator for American Wine School, Kathy has taught WSET courses (Levels 1, 2 and 3) and classes (Diploma Unit 1 - the business of wine). She combines education for wine lovers as the host for intimate-scale food and wine events in private homes, for charitable organizations, and companies.
Kathy launched an occasional wine blog, https://vinoventurescincinnati.com/, in 2013. Focused primarily around international travel, the blog educates consumers, explores the world of wine, and expands readers’ experiences with stories of people and places. Combining her love of writing with the joy of travel experiences, Kathy has written two series of articles on Southwest France and Languedoc-Roussillon for Wine Scholar Guild, and a primer on the wines of Italy for French Wine Explorers’ new group tour offering. She also served as host for the company’s “Treasures of Tuscany and Piedmont” tour. Beyond France and Italy, other global experiences include South Africa, Chile and Argentina, and major USA wine regions.
A lifelong learner, Kathy recently obtained a French Wine Scholar credential, and will complete the Italian Wine Scholar program early in 2019.
As wine educator for American Wine School, Kathy has taught WSET courses (Levels 1, 2 and 3) and classes (Diploma Unit 1 - the business of wine). She combines education for wine lovers as the host for intimate-scale food and wine events in private homes, for charitable organizations, and companies.
Kathy launched an occasional wine blog, https://vinoventurescincinnati.com/, in 2013. Focused primarily around international travel, the blog educates consumers, explores the world of wine, and expands readers’ experiences with stories of people and places. Combining her love of writing with the joy of travel experiences, Kathy has written two series of articles on Southwest France and Languedoc-Roussillon for Wine Scholar Guild, and a primer on the wines of Italy for French Wine Explorers’ new group tour offering. She also served as host for the company’s “Treasures of Tuscany and Piedmont” tour. Beyond France and Italy, other global experiences include South Africa, Chile and Argentina, and major USA wine regions.
A lifelong learner, Kathy recently obtained a French Wine Scholar credential, and will complete the Italian Wine Scholar program early in 2019.