Master Class Seminar: Icons of Washington State

Master Class Seminar: Icons of Washington State

Please join Master Sommelier Ron Edwards, who is the Director of Wine Education at Richmond, Virginia-based Winebow, one of the premier wine distributors in the U.S., as he leads you through some of the most highly regarded, authentic and interesting Washington State wines on the market. You'll enjoy Master Edwards' passion, knowledge and unending enthusiasm for great wine as you discover what makes Washington State wine so special.

All wines tasted will be highly regarded bottles chosen by our esteemed seminar leader Master Sommelier Ron Edwards.

The Details

Planning Your Itinerary

• This seminar is a perfect complement to SMOKED!, which begins downstairs from where this seminar is held and opens just 15 minutes before the seminar concludes.

General

• All-inclusive, live, immersive, interactive seminar
• Seating is arranged classroom style
• You will taste 8 or more wines
• You may arrive any time after 4:45 pm
• Metered parking is available on the street or in various lots in very close proximity to Main Street Station
• GRTC Pulse has a stop at Main Street Station.  Bike/Scooter racks are also available  
• This seminar is upstairs from SMOKED!, in case you decide to attend both events

Talent

• Led by Master Sommelier Ron Edwards of Winebow, one of the country's premier wine distributors.  

Important Things to Know About Ron

• A lifelong surfer, the father of five girls, husband of one wife, Director of Wine Education for Winebow, one of 273 Master Sommeliers in the world, lecturer, incomplete Christian, hospitality specialist, educator, missionary kid, loves bowties, overdresses, espresso drinker, favorite beverage is Champagne

The Details

Master Sommelier Ron Edwards is a surfer, father of five girls, media entrepreneur, foodie personality and one of America’s most entertaining and trusted wine and culinary ambassadors. As of February 2018, he became the Director, Wine Education for Winebow and now directs the process and content for the company's wine education efforts.

He was the “Weather Channel Wine Guy” and has appeared on the Cooking Channel and a myriad of premier food and wine publications. He has been regularly paired with America’s top chefs, authors, media personalities and James Beard award winners like Michelle Richard, Jean Joho, Paul Kahan, Stuart Brioza, Brian Polcyn and Mario Batalli.

Ron was the founder of Wine Talk Media, host of Wine Talk Radio, creator of the Grapevine School of Wine, and co-founder of Bottle Rocket, a wine and culinary image consultancy serving New York, Chicago, Denver, and Washington DC.

International flavor is Ron’s passion. Growing up the son of a southern missionary preacher, he lived his teen years in Trinidad, WI. He met his wife in Honduras in 1994. In London in 2005, after nine years of study and apprenticeship, he was appointed as the world’s 127th Master by the Court of Master Sommeliers.

Today Master Edwards is one of only 165 Master Sommeliers in North America, whose title ranks as the most prestigious and respected wine credential in the world. The Master Sommelier designation is the craft’s highest order, held by an elite league of hospitality professionals fewer than NFL quarterbacks and Major League pitchers.

Now as a distinguished Master Educator for the Court of Master Sommeliers, he prepares aspiring top sommeliers throughout North America for what Forbes magazine and the documentary film Somm call “the world’s toughest test,” the Master Sommelier exam. In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors for the organization as part of the education committee.

Master Edwards also holds a degree in mechanical engineering from North Carolina State University.

During his consulting years, Ron hosted special executive hospitality and Edu-tainment tasting events nationally for innovative media brands like Nielson, The Mobile Marketing Association and The Weather Channel. He’s the creator of acclaimed events like Chefs for Humanity, Global Wine Pavilion, and the Crush Michigan Food and Wine Classic.

Master Edwards is a passionate proponent and teacher of others-centered service. As a premier educator and authority in the professional management of world-class dining experiences, Ron frequently consulted for a national array of hospitality, cuisine and beverage clients.

He advised and trains some of America’s most respected restaurants and hospitality franchises like Coopers Hawk, The Townsend Hotel, and the world-famous Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.

As an international wine ambassador Ron has worked with trade ministries to promote tourism, vineyards, winemakers and wine regions for Argentina, Greece, France and South Africa.

Ron travels the world of exquisite vineyards and restaurants, but loves most of all returning home to his wife and five daughters.

Wine 

• Coming Soon

The Virginia Wine Expo benefits the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Educational Foundation.

All inclusive.  Price Covers Food & Drink. 21 and over only and no infants or strollers, except at the VIP Walk-Around Grand Tasting Locals Sunday Special on Sunday, March 8, 2020 at historic Main Street Station.