Academy of Wine: Celebrating Black Winemakers

1699 Market Street,San Francisco CA 94103

13 February, 2021

Description

Join The Academy's Wine Director & Sommelier Michael Wells for a tasting class highlighting exceptional wines by notable Black winemakers Academy of Wine is back! Join Wine Director & Sommelier Michael Wells for a tasting class highlighting exceptional wines by notable Black winemakers. We will be collecting donations at this event to help support the Association of African American Vintners. While our brick & mortar location is closed for the time being, we would like to thank member, Bryan Smith, for arranging facility access at The Rise Hayes Valley, where this event will be held (details included in confirmation email) MEMBERSHIP Please note: this free event is available exclusively for Academy Members only (limit 1 guest). If you are interested, please visit academy-sf.com/club to learn more, schedule a tour, and apply for membership COVID-19 SAFETY This event will follow all local health guidelines including wearing masks, social distancing, table spacing, and groups seated together limited to no more than 2 households and a maximum of 6 people. Please keep these guidelines in mind when making your reservation, and contact us if you have any questions. ABOUT MICHAEL WELLS Michael Wells is The Academy's wine director and sommelier. At only 21 years old, Michael got his start in wine, moving to New York and starting to work at City Winery, a winery, restaurant, and concert venue. During his five year tenure he pursued the Court of Master Sommeliers certification as well as interning for Wine & Spirits Magazine and leading Wine Tours for City Wine Tours. Despite being one of the youngest people in the certification program when he took the level 2 exam, Michael was the top scorer and also received the Walter Clore Award for excellence in wine.  After many years spent working the floor as a sommelier, one of Michael’s favorite parts of his job now is education; helping people discover new wines and feel confident in their selection, eliminating the pretension that has marked the wine industry for many years.  His goal at The Academy is to share his passion and experience in the industry with Academy members to create informed wine consumers.  He aims to do this by offering wine programming that is engaging yet educational and curating a balanced wine list that offers both classics and hidden gems.   In addition to overseeing The Academy’s wine program, Michael also dances professionally for Diablo Ballet, where he will debut a new choreographic production in 2021. ABOUT THE ACADEMY Established in 2017, The Academy is a neighborhood social club in San Francisco’s Castro District, focused on promoting genuine social interactions while offering engaging programming in collaboration with nonprofit organizations, local businesses, and leading community members. The Club is open to anyone who wishes to apply, and aspires to be diverse in age, race, gender, and social standing, with all Members sharing a common interest in engaging in the community and valuing in-person interactions. The Academy's Mission: "We seek to build a community of dynamic individuals focused on promoting genuine social interaction, contributing to our society, and uniting through shared experiences." Learn more at https://academy-sf.com