Dana Farner

  • Five Fresh Ideas for Running a Tasting Group, Plus One Way to Go It Alone

    Blind tasting is, to the perception of the masses, the most exciting magic trick sommeliers perform. How many times have friends outside the industry brought you a glass of wine and demanded that you get to grape, region, and vintage on the spot? They believe in us and are fascinated by blind tasting—but few understand what it takes to get to this level.

    Whether you are studying for a Court of Master Sommeliers exam…

  • How to Not Fail the Holidays

    The holidays are upon us—the most wonderful time of the year for many, the most insane time of the year for those who work in restaurants. During my Beverage Director days I loved being busy and looking at the sales every night, but I would dread counting...