In the latest episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe mixes up the format of the blind tasting series. This and upcoming episodes will feature single blind comparatives, which help tasters overcome common misidentifications of similar wines and develop a better understanding of the data points that drive cause and effect. For this episode, three Chardonnays are poured for Advanced Sommelier Wendy Shoemaker, the Western Regional Sales Manager for Frog's Leap Winery in Napa Valley. Wendy, who has a chemistry background, has also worked in some of San Francisco's great restaurants, including Californios and the St. Francis Yacht Club.
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Wendy Shoemaker is the Western Regional Sales Manager for Frog’s Leap. While working at the Disneyland Resort in California and pursuing degrees in chemistry and biochemistry, she discovered her passion for wine during a trip to Italy. She went on to earn her Advanced Sommelier certification while simultaneously completing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering with an emphasis on solar energy.
Shifting her full attention to wine, Wendy has held Beverage Director roles in San Diego at the Marriott Marquis and in San Francisco at the St. Francis Yacht Club, AQ, and Californios—helping the latter achieve two Michelin stars in 2017, making it the first Mexican dining establishment in the world to attain that status.
Before the pandemic, she lived in New York City, serving as the National Brand Ambassador for Ruinart Champagne. She has also had the opportunity to work multiple harvests. Passionate about fostering a culture of wine appreciation, education, and mentorship, Wendy is dedicated to sharing her expertise with others.
Beyond wine, she is an avid traveler, scuba diver, and pet lover who spends as much time outdoors as possible.
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