careers in wine

[Innkeeper]

I think you are well academically qualified to get into the wine business. Maybe some business courses along the way if you don't have any. Get into the business at the retail level. You learn more about wine very quickly than you can at any other level. You live in the Chicago area. There are all kinds of retailers there. Don't pick one that is so big that you will have just one little job. You want one where you can get into all aspects of the business. Say a five or six person operation; even as high as ten or twelve. Eventually you will make contact with representatives of the next level up; distributors. You should be able to get to that level within a reasonable number of years, and then you will be able to contact winery represetatives. You get my drift.

All along the way you should take lessons and seminars on wine whenever you get the chance. You might dabble with writing now and then. Send columns to suburban papers. They don't pay much, but get your name out there.

Most importantly, contact Barnesy. He made the move himself over the last couple of years, and is moving right along. I'm sure he will be of assistance.