Wine Education, Minus the Attitude
Wine can feel more complicated than it needs to be. Too many rules, too much jargon, and way too much pressure to know the “right” answer.
Grape Curious was founded to make wine easier to understand, more comfortable to talk about, and a lot more fun to explore.
Our tastings combine real wine education with a relaxed, conversational style. You’ll learn what matters, skip what doesn’t, and build the confidence to understand what you’re tasting, discover what you like, and trust your own palate. No pretension. No showing off. Just good wine, useful knowledge, and a better way to enjoy what’s in your glass.
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THE FOUNDER
Meet Hillary
My wine education didn’t start in a fancy tasting room. It started in Mendocino County, California, at small, family-run wineries where you might meet the winemaker, hear the story behind the bottle, and ask questions without being judged.
That’s the part of wine I fell in love with.
Over the years, my family and I have traveled to wine regions to see where wine is grown and made, often seeking out smaller wineries where the experience is relaxed, personal, and a little less polished in the best possible way. I share many of those adventures on the Grape Curious blog.
Along the way, I kept learning too. I’ve completed WSET Level 2 and am currently working toward WSET Level 3. But the more I learn, the more convinced I am that wine is much more fun when you stop worrying about whether you’re tasting the “right” thing.
I also don’t believe a bottle has to be expensive to be worth enjoying. Wine shouldn’t be a display of wealth, a status symbol, or something you buy because you think you’re supposed to be impressed by the price tag. A great bottle is one you enjoy, whether it costs $15 or $250.
I created Grape Curious to bring that same relaxed spirit to wine education. No intimidation. And no need to impress anyone with your ability to identify obscure aromas or name-drop an expensive bottle. Because ultimately, I believe that wine is supposed to bring people together. And ideally, make dinner taste even better.
Just good wine, good food, good conversation, and enough practical knowledge to help you understand what you’re tasting, discover what you like, and trust your own palate.
Why Wine Classes Feel Different with Grape Curious
Expert Credentials
Hillary's grounded in real expertise with WSET Level 2 certification (currently working toward Level 3), plus American Wine Expert and Georgian Wine Expert credentials.
Clear Teaching
Classes are designed to break down complex winemaking processes into fun, digestible concepts that help you understand what's in your glass and why you love it.
Personalized Focus
No two palates are the same. Our sessions are tailored to your unique tastes, helping you discover new varietals with confidence and curiosity.
Honest Guidance
Hillary provides down-to-earth, sometimes quirky advice on navigating wine labels and restaurant lists, so you can pick and pour with confidence.