Looking sophisticated in front of my new high society buddies

When I left my job prior to business school, my mentor gave me a gift. It was the Eyewitness - Top 10 Travel Guide to California Wine Country. Inside the front page - he had written a note wishing me luck...

Just a little helping hand to look sophisticated in front of your new high society buddies. Dont forget to have fun!

Coming from a small working class town in the north of England, where working as a barman my wine vocabulary extended as far as "red or white" and "small or large glass", transitioning to the GSB has been an interesting journey. My Thursday evenings (previously known as "Thirsty Thursdays" by my friends) no longer look like pints of cheap lager (cheap meaning the whole night cost less than my new wine glass) on the streets of London, but rather wine circle events with top Napa wineries.

The GSB is a truly "transformative" experience, inside and outside of the classroom. I feel very fortunate to be exposed to amazing new experiences and have the opportunity to develop new passions and interests. Wine is rapidly becoming an new area of fascination. Whether I am learning how to taste, trying new types of wine, or discussing the power of brand and positioning, it seems to be something I cant escape...my friends run the wine circle, my housemate runs a wine company and I run a pretty great bottle and chat night!

So I am taking this class to further develop my vocabulary around wine. Increase my comfort and reduce my imposter syndrome when talking to friends, colleagues and classmates. To move past ordering the cheapest (or second cheapest) wine on the list. Finally, to increase my knowledge of branding, supply chain, and consumer dynamics in an industry I am rapidly falling in love with.

All in the name of looking sophisticated in front of my new high society buddies whilst having fun!