Vivian joined the world of wine with the purpose of helping others learn more about Spain, its history, and its wines, aiming to bring people together and foster connections reminiscent of history binding us to our past and each other.

A lifelong lover of travel, she fell in love with the study of wine through visits to beautiful vineyards around the world. Her attraction to the industry stems from its rich cultural tapestry, timeless allure, and sense of community. She has explored wine regions extensively across North and South America, Australia, Europe, and New Zealand, even tasting in Kakheti, Georgia, the birthplace of wine, and sharing her insights through a published article in the Washington Post.

Her particular focus lies in teaching about Spain’s history and wine, having previously resided in Barcelona and Madrid. She promotes the unifying power of wine, transcending cultural boundaries, and its deep historical significance.

She has taught at OLLI at American University and holds the following certifications:

•   Wine and Education Spirit Trust (WSET) Level II

•   Spanish Wine Scholar (SWS), Wine Scholar Guild

•   Rioja Wine Academy Certificate

•   Cava Educator, DO Cava Academy

•   Anatomy of American Wine Business, Champagne Academy, Capital Wine School