On today’s episode, I’m chatting with Ian Osborn, on his excellent podcast called Friends of the Vine. This is a bit of a turnaround from my usual format because Ian is interviewing me.  I highly recommend that you check out Ian's podcast Friends of the Vine where he does a great job interviewing master sommeliers, masters of wine, winemakers and wine writers. I wanted to share this episode with you because we dug into lots of great wine tips, from how to talk with the sommelier to becoming the expert on your own taste. I also share some behind-the-scenes stories about how I got into wine and what is what like writing my first book. Enjoy the episode!   Highlights  When did I first become interested in wine? What role did Napa and Sonoma play in my journey to becoming a wine writer? Why is it important to taste wines side by side? Which tasting tip do I share with my students for developing their wine confidence? Why is it important to have the mindset of an enthusiastic amateur? Why are online courses more beneficial than free information? How can you become an expert in your own taste to have new and better wine experiences? Why do I believe online courses are better than in-person courses for a lot of people? Why have I switched my focus to TV and video?    To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the show notes.