Enthusiastic Amateur – I was coined that earlier this week in a planning meeting for my first sherry pairing event I’ll be presenting in June. It was not said in malice, and it certainly was not taken that way either. When was the last time you were learning something and couldn’t help but share the excitement with others?
This week, I had two opportunities to share the sherry love; one with a friend, one with a complete stranger. Both got excited because I was excited. Both wanted to know more because I couldn’t stop verbally vomiting all that I’ve been learning! I even geeked out, and with the help of previous classes and tastings, put together this Sherry 101 packet for my friends.
It’s very rare to step out in courage and document the learning process. I think too often we feel we have to be an expert before presenting what we know. My desire is to journey with others. I KNOW my information may not always be right, but you’ll at least leave a conversation with me knowing more. Likewise, I want to keep learning from those who have gone before me to pave the way. If not for them, sherry would not be in Portland, Oregon!
There’s something magical in discovering something new. For that, I hope I always remain an enthusiastic amateur.
Sherry Sips ~ obsession from grape to glass 