Hello!
I’m SO happy you can be here to make wine approachable, enjoyable, and fun!
The wine world can be pretentious and expensive.
Hey! I get it. I’ve worked in the wine industry for decades. That’s why I want to take a chance and have you join me in making more fun on a more regular basis.
My 19 year wine journey in 30 seconds: Who am I?
My winemaking journey started when I was a sophomore in high school. Yes, high school.
As an active member in our school FFA program, I participated in agriculture-themed public speaking competitions. Through the duration of this program, my speeches were always about grapes, wine, and wine science.
The knowledge I gained through that program led to science fairs, internships in France and California, a B.S. in Food Science from Penn State University, and a M.S. in Food Science and Technology from Virginia Tech University.
My first official, out-of-school job was with Enartis Vinquiry (now, Enartis U.S.A.), a winemaking supply company based in California. I acted as the company’s Sensory Scientist, leading wine industry sensory trials, evaluating new products used to make wine, and learning A LOT about the California wine industry.
Eventually, my heart wanted to travel back to the Eastern wine industry where my wine roots had been planted.
In 2011, I accepted my dream job as the Penn State Extension Enologist. An enologist is a person that studies the science of wine.
As the state enologist, I had opportunities to meet winemakers from wine regions all over the U.S., and I developed tomorrow’s winemakers through research and education. I also completed a few certification programs through the Society of Wine Educators (SWE) and Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) to deepen my tasting skills and appreciation of wine.
And then one day, I took a leap to start Denise Gardner Winemaking: a new era of consulting services in which technology is used advantageously to meet the growing needs of winemakers and wine enthusiasts. It’s through this entrepreneurial venture that I want to add the extra flare to your table by introducing you to new, affordable wine styles and an approachable, fun way of enjoying wine.
The wine that goes on my table can go on your table, too.“
My Mission
I’m going to keep wine fun and accessible for your daily life.
Every wine that goes on my table can go on your table, too. It’s my goal to teach you how to approach wine with ease, joy, and deliciousness.
How can we connect?
Easily.
If you’re looking explore new wines in your daily life (without the snobbery), join the monthly Sip & Swirl, here.
If you’re active on social media, you can find me on Instagram or Facebook using the handle @dgwinemaking.
