Ray's Writings
Notes From a Traveler and Wine Professional
Exploring the World
Ray moved to California in 1986 to begin a career in wine. The first step was leading tours for the public and trade at the historic Christian Brothers’ Greystone Cellars in Saint Helena, California. From there he went on to sell wine, first on the supplier side and later in retail, working directly with consumers.
Ray became the Assistant Director of the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition in 2000. His company TasteWine consulted and created events and seminars for a Who’s Who of companies and organizations, including Four Seasons Hotels, GE Capital, LexisNexis, Siemens, Visa, Wells Fargo and many more.
In 1998, Ray began began a rewarding career teaching wine appreciation for consumers. In 2006 he earned his Master’s Degree in Wine Business at the University of Adelaide and expanded his teaching into sensory evaluation and the business of wine, focusing on management and marketing. His published research focused on regional branding.
From there he went on to become the Executive Director of Sonoma State’s Wine Business Institute and did some of the most important work of his life. He recently retired and continues to enjoy the community of wine and food, the business of wine and traveling the world with his wife Linda.
Around the Country and the Globe
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blog posts
Recent Blog
My most recent work here
Cosme
Etosha Aoba Lodge
Onguma Game Reserve, located on the east side of Etosha's fence line, offers a number of accommodation options. We chose to stay in one of the bush suites at Etosha Aoba Lodge, one of the eleven thatched-roof bungalows, where the little houses blend harmoniously into...
Bush Walks at Onguma Nature Reserve
Walking in the wilds of Africa is indeed a treat and one that we pursue whenever available, after first experiencing the opportunity in Kruger. In planning this trip to Etosha, Linda found that the team at Onguma makes these bush walks available and we booked. Victor,...
The Good Life Guide to Enjoying Wine
The Good Life Guide to Enjoying Wine slashes through the pretensions so often associated with wine. In one afternoon reading and tasting, you’ll find the answers to the most frequently asked questions that the author has heard while teaching about wine in California.
