This inspiring and uplifting episode features Reggie Leonard, a wine student and Virginia wine enthusiast based in Charlottesville, Virginia. He currently leads career development at the University of Virginia's School of Data Science, but when he’s not coaching students or hosting events, Reggie is a regular on the Charlottesville arts, dining, tech, and wine scene. His discerning palate and accessible commentary have already opened doors to countless conversations-turned-collaborations. Reggie is a recipient of the inaugural cohort of Wine Unify, an educational program providing award opportunities for minority groups interested in or working in wine, through which he pursued a WSET Level 1 certification and earned his WSET Level 2 with Distinction shortly after. We talk about his wide array of experiences in the Virginia wine industry that have been pivotal moments in his wine education journey, and we discuss how he is working to combine his knowledge and passion toward a parallel career in the wine industry. We discuss the art of "paying attention" while developing your palate, and we highlight a few of the items on his "wine bucket list". Keep an ear out for a list of some fantastic Virginia wine recommendations at the end of the episode, and you can connect with him at @reggieleonard on Instagram to learn more about his goals for the industry.

Recorded April 2022