Michael Meagher - All Comments

RE: Studying in the Margins: Pursuing the MS in Small Markets

Stephen Bishop — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 21:53:25 GMT

Thank you Michael for sharing your story and those of other MS - the underlying message is passion, perseverance and partnership. I have just been starting my journey later in life than others, but again - thanks for the life stories. It sets realistic expectations but does not limit them.

RE: Studying in the Margins: Pursuing the MS in Small Markets

Selen Gozen — Tue, 16 May 2017 21:27:48 GMT

Reading this from Istanbul, Turkey and not feeling so lonely anymore... Thank you for your advice, it shall be used effectively.

RE: Studying in the Margins: Pursuing the MS in Small Markets

Karen Morrison — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 04:25:52 GMT

Michael, thank you so much for writing this article. You know, your piece can also apply to those of us who live in so-called big markets just starting out and can't find resources as well. Even though I work at a private country club , my manager is a Level 2 Somm, and based in DC, I feel that I don't get support and no one takes me seriously. I even have access to a manager that's a Level 3 Somm but here again, she appears to be non-supportive. At the present, I'm preparing for my Level 2 with the Court and through WSET and about to study to become a French Wine Scholar and I feel isolated.

RE: Studying in the Margins: Pursuing the MS in Small Markets

Thomas Price — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 06:07:33 GMT

Sorry it took me so long to read this, Master...

Great Stuff!

Word...

RE: Studying in the Margins: Pursuing the MS in Small Markets

Chris Bischoff — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 19:58:46 GMT

Amazing post! I LEFT New York to pursue a dream of growing wine, and I have been successfully establishing a small hybrid winery. I have a great study group here in Saratoga... but I take trips frequently back home for seminars and classes. It is SO difficult seeing other sommeliers plugged into the wheel and moving up the ladder because of their proximity to higher level professionals. Finding a mentor has been super difficult. We are on our own with tastings too.

After attending the Sonoma seminar with [mention:daba9949e1cb449eba541773a04d4fbe:e9ed411860ed4f2ba0265705b8793d05] this week, I feel both galvanized and defeated. I went from being in Corkbuzz, full of positive wine energy, to sitting alone in the back room of my restaurant to study.

This website and the Guild are my greatest allies and most important tools. For sure without these resources my path would increasingly narrow.

RE: Studying in the Margins: Pursuing the MS in Small Markets

Wendy Henderlong — Mon, 24 Oct 2016 04:08:25 GMT

Thank you so much Michael! I am the Somm at a golf resort on the Southern Oregon coast about 8 hours north of Napa. I am registered for the WSET3 in Napa in 7 weeks. I have outside community for a tasting group but with your recommendation, will try to find some face time at least to get an idea of format, etc. Cheers!

RE: Studying in the Margins: Pursuing the MS in Small Markets

Hugo d’Houwt — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 13:19:48 GMT

Great post ! I live in Dijon, Burgundy. Finding french-centric tasting groups is fairly easy here but it's more like "let' s have tons of wine and charcuterie" than DTM tastings. Trust me they have no idea that Riesling is grown in Germany nor Malbec in Argentina.

RE: Studying in the Margins: Pursuing the MS in Small Markets

Benjamin Weathersby, CSS, CSW — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 19:55:51 GMT

A perfectly timed article for me to come across. I'm in NC working in a satellite of the Triangle but commute an hour just to get there so early morning groups and industry events are quite often things I just can't fit in. With my first application for the Advanced coming up its not nerves but rather fear that I'm woefully out of touch and context with where I need to be. I'm going forward regardless, fortune favors the brave after all, and I'm basically guaranteed at least a barometer of how to move forward more effectively. Thanks for this!

RE: Studying in the Margins: Pursuing the MS in Small Markets

Dennis Figueroa — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 23:48:00 GMT

Michael, Your message was so on point. Personally I owe you a debt of gratitude for all the coaching, encouragement, and blazing trails. So glad that you stayed in market, there are lots more like me yearning to learn and make it a wine spot.

RE: Studying in the Margins: Pursuing the MS in Small Markets

Jesse Correia — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 01:37:24 GMT

Thank you Michael for helping me make my decision of staying in Boston as well! Great write up!

RE: Studying in the Margins: Pursuing the MS in Small Markets

Brandon Anderson — Thu, 06 Oct 2016 15:16:15 GMT

Thank you so much for writing this, Michael. As someone who just moved from Boston to Washington D.C. to further my adventure in the beverage industry, I found this to be both fun and inspiring to read. I look forward to seeing you at next year's boot camp, even if I am no longer a New Englander!

RE: Studying in the Margins: Pursuing the MS in Small Markets

Michael Mighetto Hoefling — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 18:16:06 GMT

How do we find this Theory guide by Cameron Douglas?

RE: Studying in the Margins: Pursuing the MS in Small Markets

Gary R. Rodriguez-Vazquez — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 17:51:10 GMT

Awesome-thank you!

RE: Studying in the Margins: Pursuing the MS in Small Markets

Thomas Rotherham — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 04:28:45 GMT

What a great post! Thank you!

RE: Studying in the Margins: Pursuing the MS in Small Markets

Patricia Wamhoff — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 04:01:16 GMT

Michael, thank you for sharing your experience. I know first hand what it means to be on an island. I was nodding alond in recognition as you described circumstnces of your own and of the Masters you interviewed. You gave great advice to reach out to others as most are more than happy to help. It is important to offer encouragement to those who are climbing the rungs below us, beside us or even above as it is beneficial to all. Congratulations on achieving your goal.