About Us
Diane Thompson
Founder & Head Wine Geek
Hi! I love introducing people to wine, whether it's totally new to them or whether I have the chance to show them new wines to love. The wine world is fascinating to me because there is always something new to learn, something new to experience. And, Have A Grape Time is my way to share this passion with others. I also love entertaining and bring the joy of sharing hospitality to Have a Grape Time.
A little about me:
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CSW (Certified Specialist of Wine, Society of Wine Educators)
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Former Silicon Valley Executive (marketing, sales and general management).
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Former winery tasting room hospitality/wine education associate (my idea of fun!)
I developed a passion for wine somewhere along the way and am now officially considered a geek (which I consider the very highest praise :-) ) !
I also created and managed multiple private wine tasting groups for several years. We met once a month and conducted a blind tasting – always a different theme. We usually had 15-25 people attend. It was a great way to expand our wine knowledge and a lot of fun. I’d love to design a blind tasting event for you – so many variations and all fun!
Diane's Formal Wine Education
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Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Greystone, St. Helena, CA
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University of California, Davis, Extension, Department of Viticulture and Enology
Oh, Yeah, That Other Stuff...
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BA, Economics; BA Political Science, University of California, Santa Barbara
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MBA, Santa Clara University
Will Travel for Wine!
Wine Regions Where I've Spent the Most Time
California
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Napa County
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Sonoma County
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Lake County
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Mendocino County
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Paso Robles
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San Luis Obispo
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Santa Barbara County
Washington
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WallaWalla
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Columbia River Valley
Oregon
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Willamette Valley
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Umqua Valley
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Rogue Valley
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Applegate Valley
France
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Bordeaux
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Loire Valley
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Cognac
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Rhone Valley
Spain
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LaRioja
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Txakoli
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Basque Country
Need Travel Advice? Just Ask!
Our Location and Service Area
We are located in Scottsdale, Arizona and can service the entire Phoenix metropolitan area. We look forward to meeting you!