10/15/08 Wine Q&A

Q. I am retiring from my present job in March 2009. I love wines, primarily red. I also love to cook and I want to learn how to make these two even more enjoyable. I am also interested in knowing the subtleties of the industry. I am a chemist by profession and I understand the science of wine and winemaking, but there is more to learn about this science. How would I go about pursuing this as a hobby and possibly work in a local wine shop?

A. I would say that the first and most difficult assignment is to find a focus. Do you want to learn to make wine? Do you want to learn the intricacies of the retail and/or wholesale business? Do you want to develop your cooking skills to include better wine matches? Do you want to focus on learning about red wines, or would it be of interest to explore the wider world of all styles?

A good start would be to do a brief, intense immersion in the business. Many local wine shops take on part-time help during the holiday season. It's a great opportunity to taste a lot of wines, meet a lot of knowledgeable people, ask a lot of questions and help you decide on the most appropriate path. If you start now, make a few phone calls, express an interest, I don't think you will find it hard to sign on somewhere to work the retail side of the business.

For future wine studies, there are many books, many formal study programs throughout the state and many opportunities to volunteer at wineries. But first, define your objectives as precisely as possible, for once you do, the appropriate course of action will open up to you more easily.

* Paul Gregutt answers questions weekly. He can be reached at wine@seattletimes.com.

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