(Un)Common Grape: Making wine a part of life.
(Un)Common Grape was designed with one thing in mind: to teach people about wine in ways that help them understand that wine is a part of life and is meant to be enjoyed. I don't want to tell you what to drink. Instead, I want to teach you how to drink.
And I never pass up the opportunity to do this, whether it be through wine tastings and classes, wine consultations, videos, social media or blogging. All of it, however, incorporates what makes wine unique: interaction. Interaction with the wine, the place from where it comes and with each other is what has allowed wine to enhance lives for centuries.
(Un)Common Grape was designed with one thing in mind: to teach people about wine in ways that help them understand that wine is a part of life and is meant to be enjoyed. I don't want to tell you what to drink. Instead, I want to teach you how to drink.
And I never pass up the opportunity to do this, whether it be through wine tastings and classes, wine consultations, videos, social media or blogging. All of it, however, incorporates what makes wine unique: interaction. Interaction with the wine, the place from where it comes and with each other is what has allowed wine to enhance lives for centuries.
About me.
(Un)Common Grape was founded by me, Chad Watkins, with the goal of simplifying wine for the enjoyment of everyone. After working in the retail wine industry for a number of years, I found that many wine consumers have trouble making confident decisions when it comes to choosing wine, relying heavily on the opinions of others, instead of trusting their own judgment. It is my hope to provide a place where everyone can feel comfortable to talk and learn about wine, bringing their own insights and impressions about the wine they drink. To me, regardless of what anyone else thinks, the most important question you can ask is: Do I like this wine?
I started drinking wine in 2005, while studying in Strasbourg, France. Upon my return, I began learning as much as I could. It started with reading and tasting but quickly progressed to more formal education. I have since earned the Advanced Certificate with Distinction from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust and become a Certified Specialist of Wine with the Society of Wine Educators. I’ve earned the title of French Wine Scholar from the French Wine Society where I have also completed a Master Level course in Alsatian wine. I am also a Certified Napa Valley Educator and a Certified Bordeaux Educator, spending time in each region to earn those titles. My love of travel has taken me to Bordeaux, Alsace, and Piedmont and several times to Napa Valley. I have had retail experience with one of the premier wine retailers in the country which has exposed me to an extraordinary number of winemakers, winery owners and wine professionals.
I started drinking wine in 2005, while studying in Strasbourg, France. Upon my return, I began learning as much as I could. It started with reading and tasting but quickly progressed to more formal education. I have since earned the Advanced Certificate with Distinction from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust and become a Certified Specialist of Wine with the Society of Wine Educators. I’ve earned the title of French Wine Scholar from the French Wine Society where I have also completed a Master Level course in Alsatian wine. I am also a Certified Napa Valley Educator and a Certified Bordeaux Educator, spending time in each region to earn those titles. My love of travel has taken me to Bordeaux, Alsace, and Piedmont and several times to Napa Valley. I have had retail experience with one of the premier wine retailers in the country which has exposed me to an extraordinary number of winemakers, winery owners and wine professionals.