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World Of Wine
Owner and Professional Wine Tasting Enthusiast - Sandra Taylor
Background. I grew up in Iowa
and left the state in 1995 to live in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
area. Shortly after moving, I discovered Chaddsford Winery,
Pennsylvania’s largest winery producing 35,000+ cases per
year. I became one of their “weekend warriors”, working
part-time teaching classes, conducting tours, working at special
events, and promoting the winery.
Wine Education. While working
at the winery, I was inspired by a co-worker and the winery owner
to learn more about the world of wine. I started taking
classes and earned both the Intermediate and Advanced Certificates
(2000 and 2001 respectively) through the United Kingdom’s
Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), an internationally
recognized credentialing body with centers in 14 countries, including
a Philadelphia Centre in the U.S. In addition, I obtained
the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) from the Society of Wine
Educators (SWE) in 2002 and am one of only two persons in Iowa
to have that title.
Wine Travel. For the last few
years, I have focused most of my travel on wine regions, often
including an international trip and several domestic trips every
year. These trips include Portugal and Madeira (2007),
Chile and Argentina (2005), Australia (2004), Spain (2003), New
Zealand (2002), S. Africa (2001), California (multiple locations),
Washington, Oregon, and Virginia.
I returned to Iowa in 2004 and decided to put my wine knowledge
to work by offering wine tastings. I look forward
to sharing my love of wine with as many Iowans as possible!
Member Society of Wine Educators and Iowa Wine Growers Association.
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“Sandra
is an accomplished wine educator who not only has a wealth
of information but also makes the student comfortable, receptive
and happy as a clam to be learning about wine!” Eric
Miller, Co-Owner & Winemaker, Chaddsford Winery
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"Sandra so excelled in her wine knowledge and in her
ability to communicate it to others that we chose her as
one of just 5 persons trained and qualified to administer
and grade WSET Advanced Certificate Exams." Neal Ewing,
Neal Ewing Wine Services (phillywine.com); WSET Diploma
in Wine & Spirits; Director for Philadelphia’s
WSET Registered Centre; Wine Director, Walnut Hill College
Sommelier Program & Wine Academy; Wine Notes Magazine:
“Best Wine School in Country” 2000
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"Sandra was one of the few people on Chaddsford Winery
retail staff to take the iniative to further her wine education.
First, enrolling in the WSET Certificate then the Advanced
Certificate eventually joining me in The Diploma program.
At the same time taking and passing the Certified Specialist
in Wine exam and subsequently tackling the difficult Certified
Wine Educator Exam, both administered by the Society of
Wine Educators. Her knowledge and enthusiasm for bringing
wine and wine education to the masses was a great addition
to the Chaddsford staff. " - Mark Cochard, WSET Diploma
in Wine & Spirits, WSET Advanced Diploma with Distinction,
Certified Wine Educator (CWE), Banfi Vintners Scholarship
Recipient, and Tasting Assessor for WSET Advanced Certificate.
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