No drink is more essential to the holiday season than wine. With stay-at-home orders potentially on the horizon, there’s no better time to explore the world of wine through the eyes of tastemakers who make it exciting.
Whether wine is a new hobby or a lifelong passion, there’s always more to learn. Luckily, social media now allows us to educate ourselves at home, so why wait? From certified sommeliers, to journalists and podcasters, to wine-loving jokesters, these experts are here to share their knowledge, humor, great finds, and so much more.
Chasity Cooper
Chasity Cooper is a Chicago-based wine blogger, educator, and journalist who has contributed to a variety of publications (including VinePair). On her blog, Wine With Chas, Cooper teaches readers about wine in a “fun, non-intimidating way.” On her blog as well as her Instagram profile, Cooper keeps wine content fresh and educational.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDrnhCyprBQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Eric Asimov
Eric Asimov is a wine critic at The New York Times whose articles have been educating readers for decades. He covers everything from wine basics to lesser-known wine regions. On his Instagram account, Asimov shares bottle shots of the wines he’s tasting, as well as his most recent articles.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFNh5rCheM_/
Rajat Parr
Rajat Parr is a sommelier-turned-winemaker producing wines in California and Oregon. His wine club, the Raj Parr Wine Club, sends members two shipments of his exclusive wines every year. Parr also shares his phone number with members, whom he encourages to text him with questions about all things wine. An avid Instagram user, Parr has multiple profiles on the platform, sharing food, wine, and farming photos.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGWo60vj1XY/
Shakera Jones
Shakera Jones is a wine pro, activist, blogger, and podcast host. On her blog, Jones writes about everything from racism in the wine world to reviews of restaurants. Jones also interviews influential wine professionals such as Dwyane Wade about their lives and careers every week on her podcast, A Glass for Every Palate . On her feed, Jones shares mouthwatering food shots, highlights Black voices in wine, and reminds her followers to “save water, drink Champagne.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDgkm3YJ48L/
Julia Coney
Julia Coney is a Washington, D.C.- and Houston-based wine pro who serves as VinePair’s contributing editor. Coney recently founded Black Wine Professionals, a resource highlighting Black professionals in wine, from sommeliers, to retailers, to educators, and more. She has also written extensively about wine and has been featured in VinePair, Forbes, and beyond. On her Instagram page, Coney posts about recent bottles she’s been drinking, chats with wine pros on Instagram Live, and shares her most recent articles.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CB–DhPpeHq/
The Hue Society
The Hue Society is a community for “all things related to Black wine culture.” Founded by sommelier and entrepreneur Tahiirah Habibi, the group specializes in celebrating and connecting the Black wine community, as well as supporting mentorships and increased access for underrepresented minorities in wine. On Instagram, The Hue Society shares fun videos and uses its platform to highlight Black wine professionals.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGioZ2MHyw0/
Sam Mushman
A man of many talents, Sam Mushman can provide a much-needed laugh, or the perfect glass of Pinot. The NYC-based sommelier is a food and beverage director by day, and a stand-up comic by night. In fact, much of his comedy focuses on the subject of wine, poking fun at pros who take wine a little too seriously.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGsG8nVHRUT/
Philippe André
Philippe André, a.k.a @niquesomm, is a Chicago-based sommelier and the U.S. ambassador for Charles Heidsieck Champagne. He’s also the founder of Grand Cru and Co. and a board member of the United Somms Foundation. On Instagram, André goes live for “Charlie Chats,” conversations with fellow wine pros. Follow André for lots of fun, luxury, and, of course, bubbles.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B41e4_1BMRh/
Black Girls Wine Society
The Black Girls Wine Society is a membership-based “social organization that offers you the opportunity to connect, expand your palate, and build sisterhood through rewarding experiences.” The society hosts events and get-togethers for its members, including everything from yacht parties to virtual tastings. Its instagram profile reflects the organization’s inclusive and fun community.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGqduqahkpd/
Vivian Rocillo
Those who love to travel can live vicariously through Vivian Rocillo’s Instagram feed. The Toronto-based sommelier travels the world eating delicious food, taking Insta-worthy photos, and, of course, tasting wine because, as Rocillo’s bio reads, “#Wine is a lifestyle.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGszQzhHzGx/
The Wine Wankers
Drew and Conrad, also known as @winewankers, are wine lovers and bloggers who believe wine should be served sans pretension. Educating about wine through comedy, the writers share wine tips, reviews, and more. On Instagram, the Wine Wankers post funny memes, gorgeous wine photos, and more.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_CvQJeDNwG/
Anna-Christina Cabrales
Anna-Christina Cabrales is a New York-based sommelier and the former general manager and wine director of Morrell Wine Bar & Café. Cabrales now serves as an educator and advisor at Wine Unify, an organization that promotes diversity and inclusion in the world of wine, and as an educator for the Somm Society. She also recently created #SOMMATION, an organization on which she goes live with fellow wine professionals to discuss important issues in the world of wine and hospitality, as well as highlighting diverse voices in wine. On her Instagram page, Cabrales shares delicious wine and food photos and more.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCYwCONpqlH/
Georgia Panagopoulou
Georgia Panagopoulou, or @wine.gini, is a digital wine marketer and wine educator with one of the most followed wine accounts on Instagram. On her feed, she shares travel photos, wine pairing tips, and impressive wine swirls.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CF-HPVCgBJd/
Regine T. Rousseau
Regine T. Rousseau is a Chicago-based wine professional and the CEO and founder of Shall We Wine, an “experiential marketing, event planning and media powerhouse.” Rousseau created the community with a mission to make the drinks world more accessible to all. On Instagram, Rousseau shares inspiring quotes, wine news, and more.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGGDe4ynP7n/
Keith Beavers
Keith Beavers is a wine writer, podcast host, and tasting director at VinePair. Never taking wine (or himself) too seriously, Beavers is here to educate his followers and listeners about wine in a funny, inclusive, and easy-to-digest way. On Instagram, Beavers chronicles his process researching for the Wine 101 Podcast, shares ideas for festive wine pairings, and more.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CG2kEcynAkn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
