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Welcome to "Pour Decisions: Crafting Dynamic Drink Menus" Masterclass with Colleen McClellan! 🌟 Ready to shake up your drink menu and create unforgettable experiences for your guests? Join us for a thrilling and FREE masterclass led by Colleen McClellan, Sommelier/DipWSET from Datassential! What Awaits You: ✨ Expert Guidance: Colleen's industry expertise will empower you to elevate your beverage offerings and stand out from the crowd. ✨ Safe Experimentation: Learn the secrets of introducing new drinks fearlessly, ensuring a dynamic and enticing menu that keeps guests coming back for more. ✨ Crafting Dynamic Menus: Dive into the art of curating drink menus that leave a lasting impression and tell a unique story. 📆 Date and Time: March 30th at 10:00am PT / 1:00pm ET Why Attend? Immerse yourself in a world of flavors, trends, and creativity that will set your establishment apart. Reserve your spot now to revolutionize your drink menu with confidence! Limited Spaces Available! Don't miss this chance to become a trendsetter in the world of beverage innovation. 🎓 Education Exchange Student Teacher: Colleen McClellan Colleen has over 20-years' experience in marketing, insights, and innovation for both retail and foodservice markets. Throughout her career, she has worked to translate trends and insights into profitable actions across all food and beverage categories. Currently, Colleen is Chief Customer Officer with Datassential, is a certified Sommelier, DipWSET, holds an MBA in International Business, MS in Managing Information Systems, and a BS in Neurobiology and Physiology.

Welcome to Neurodivergent Voices: Embracing Differences, Celebrating Strengths! Join us on a captivating journey as we delve into the diverse and inspiring world of neurodivergence. This webinar series brings together a collection of thought-provoking conversations with individuals who embrace their unique neurodivergent identities and have thrived despite the challenges they may have faced. In each episode, we will explore personal stories, insights, and experiences of individuals who identify as neurodivergent. From autism to ADHD, dyslexia to sensory processing differences, and beyond, we aim to shed light on the rich tapestry of neurodiversity. Through these engaging discussions, we will uncover the remarkable strengths and talents that neurodivergent individuals possess. We will challenge misconceptions, break down barriers, and celebrate the incredible contributions they make to various aspects of life, including education, work, and personal growth. Our esteemed guests will share their unique perspectives on how neurodivergence has shaped their lives, study routines, and habits. They will offer valuable insights into the strategies they have developed to navigate challenges, harness their strengths, and thrive in a world that may not always understand or accommodate their differences. Whether you are neurodivergent yourself, a caregiver, an educator, or simply curious about neurodiversity, this webinar series offers a safe and inclusive space to learn, grow, and foster a deeper understanding of the neurodivergent experience. Join us as we amplify neurodivergent voices, challenge societal norms, and champion the power of embracing differences and celebrating strengths. Together, let's create a world that values and supports the unique contributions of every individual.

Welcome to Neurodivergent Voices: Embracing Differences, Celebrating Strengths! Join us on a captivating journey as we delve into the diverse and inspiring world of neurodivergence. This webinar series brings together a collection of thought-provoking conversations with individuals who embrace their unique neurodivergent identities and have thrived despite the challenges they may have faced. In each episode, we will explore personal stories, insights, and experiences of individuals who identify as neurodivergent. From autism to ADHD, dyslexia to sensory processing differences, and beyond, we aim to shed light on the rich tapestry of neurodiversity. Through these engaging discussions, we will uncover the remarkable strengths and talents that neurodivergent individuals possess. We will challenge misconceptions, break down barriers, and celebrate the incredible contributions they make to various aspects of life, including education, work, and personal growth. Our esteemed guests will share their unique perspectives on how neurodivergence has shaped their lives, study routines, and habits. They will offer valuable insights into the strategies they have developed to navigate challenges, harness their strengths, and thrive in a world that may not always understand or accommodate their differences. Whether you are neurodivergent yourself, a caregiver, an educator, or simply curious about neurodiversity, this webinar series offers a safe and inclusive space to learn, grow, and foster a deeper understanding of the neurodivergent experience. Join us as we amplify neurodivergent voices, challenge societal norms, and champion the power of embracing differences and celebrating strengths. Together, let's create a world that values and supports the unique contributions of every individual.

When it comes to learning, visual aids can be a powerful tool to enhance comprehension and retention. Whether you're a student or an educator, incorporating visual elements into your study materials can have numerous benefits. Let's explore some of the advantages of using visual aids in your learning journey. Auditory Learners - Click Here to Listen to this Blog Enhanced Understanding and Comprehension Visual aids, such as diagrams, charts, and infographics, can simplify complex concepts and make them easier to understand. By presenting information in a visual format, you can break down complex ideas into digestible chunks, allowing learners to grasp the material more effectively. Visual aids provide a visual representation of information, which can help learners connect the dots and see the bigger picture. Improved Retention and Recall Studies have shown that incorporating visual aids in study materials can significantly improve retention and recall. Visuals engage multiple senses, making the learning experience more memorable. When learners can visualize information, they are more likely to retain it in their long-term memory. Visual aids serve as mental cues, triggering recall when needed, and reinforcing the learning process. Increased Engagement and Interest Visual aids have the power to capture attention and spark interest. When study materials are visually appealing, learners are more likely to engage with the content and stay focused. Visuals can make the learning experience more enjoyable and interactive, leading to increased motivation and a positive attitude towards learning. By incorporating visual elements, you can create a dynamic and immersive learning environment. Facilitates Learning for Different Learning Styles People have different learning styles, and visual aids cater to those who are visual learners. If you don't know your learning style, click here for our free assessment. Visual learners understand and process information better when it is presented in a visual format. By incorporating visual aids, you can accommodate various learning styles and ensure that all learners have equal opportunities to grasp the material effectively. This inclusivity promotes a more comprehensive and well-rounded learning experience. Simplifies Complex Concepts Visual aids can simplify complex concepts by breaking them down into simpler components. By using visuals, you can illustrate relationships, hierarchies, and connections between different ideas. This simplification helps learners overcome cognitive overload and makes it easier to understand intricate topics. Visual aids provide a roadmap for learners, guiding them through the learning process and facilitating a deeper understanding of complex concepts. Promotes Creativity and Critical Thinking Visual aids encourage learners to think creatively and critically. When learners engage with visual materials, they are prompted to analyze, interpret, and evaluate the information presented. Visual aids can stimulate discussions, encourage problem-solving, and foster a deeper level of thinking. By incorporating visual elements, you can inspire learners to think outside the box and develop their analytical and creative skills. The Impact of Visual Aids Incorporating visual aids in your study materials can have a profound impact on the learning experience. From enhanced understanding and improved retention to increased engagement and creativity, visual aids offer a multitude of benefits. So, whether you're a student looking to ace your exams or an educator aiming to create impactful learning materials, consider harnessing the power of visual aids to unlock your full learning potential.

In your study journey, it's important to strike a balance between active and passive reviewing techniques. Active reviewing involves mentally stimulating activities that require your active participation and engagement. On the other hand, passive reviewing provides a more relaxed approach, allowing your brain to rest and recover while still reinforcing your knowledge. Let's explore the benefits and applications of both approaches. Auditory Leaners - Click Here to Listen to the Blog Active Reviewing: Engage Your Mind, Enhance Your Retention Active reviewing techniques are specifically designed to actively engage your mind, fostering a deeper understanding of the material and facilitating long-term retention of information. These techniques require your active participation, enabling the information to enter your brain through multiple channels and perspectives. By actively engaging with the material, you create a more robust and interconnected network of knowledge, enhancing your ability to recall and apply what you have learned. Diagrams: Creating visual diagrams, such as charts, graphs, and diagrams, helps simplify complex information and aids in understanding and memory retention. Flashcards: Flashcards are an effective tool for active recall. By actively quizzing yourself on key concepts, definitions, or vocabulary, you reinforce your memory and enhance retention. These can be digital, tangible, or auditory. Mind Mapping: Mind mapping allows you to visually organize and connect ideas, stimulating your creativity and facilitating a deeper understanding of the relationships between concepts. Outlining: Creating outlines helps you structure and organize your study material, enabling you to grasp the overall framework of a subject and remember key points more effectively. Practice Exams: Engaging in practice exams actively tests your knowledge and helps identify areas that require further review. This technique promotes active recall and strengthens your understanding of the material. Presentations: Preparing and delivering presentations allows you to consolidate your knowledge, enhance your communication skills, and reinforce your understanding of key concepts. Recordings: Recording study materials provides an opportunity for active engagement and reflection. By explaining concepts in your own words, you reinforce your understanding and can revisit the recordings when on the go. Spreadsheets: Utilizing spreadsheets for organizing and analyzing data actively engages your analytical skills, promoting a deeper understanding of information. Passive Reviewing: Rest and Recovery for Optimal Performance Passive reviewing techniques are less mentally demanding and provide an opportunity for your brain to rest and recover while still reinforcing your knowledge. These techniques are ideal for recovery days or when you need a break from intense mental activity. Some examples of passive reviewing techniques include: Reading: Reading relevant books, articles, or study materials allows you to absorb information at a more relaxed pace, while giving your brain a break from creating review materials. Listening to Podcasts: Listening to educational podcasts or audio lectures provides an opportunity to learn and reinforce knowledge while giving your eyes a break from reading. Watching Videos: Watching educational videos or lectures can be an engaging way to review and reinforce concepts visually and audibly. Coloring Maps: Coloring maps can be a relaxing and visually stimulating activity that helps reinforce geographical knowledge. If you haven’t seen our Wine Map Coloring Books, you can check them out here. Reviewing Wine Lists: Reviewing wine lists of top restaurants around the world and their key concepts allows for a quick and passive review of producers and supports knowledge of curating wine lists. Discussion Groups: Engage in discussions with peers or study groups to review and exchange ideas. Explaining concepts to others and listening to their perspectives can deepen your understanding and provide new insights. Utilize Your Surrounding: This is the easiest way to get study time in while on the go. Utilize your wine cellar, a wine store, wall maps - quiz yourself while looking at each. Playing Wine Games: Wine games such as Sommify’s Blind Tasting Board Game, Water & Wines Puzzles, Wine Wars Trivia Game, Wine-O, A Taste for Wine and Murder, 3D Wine Puzzles, Grand Cru Board Game, or Read Between the Wines are great down time activities that still utilize our brain. One of our favorites is Wine Jenga, you purchase a Jenga game, then write questions on each block, as you remove a block, you answer the question. Allocating Time for Both Finding the right balance between active and passive reviewing is crucial. We recommend 70% of your review time be dedicated to active reviewing techniques as they promote deeper understanding and long-term retention. The remaining 30% we recommend dedicating to passive reviewing techniques to provide rest and recovery and prime your mind for optimal performance. Listen to your mind and body, and incorporate both approaches into your study routine accordingly.

At NeuroSips™, we believe in the power of knowledge and continuous learning. That's why we dedicate the first Wednesday of every month to sharing valuable wine articles from the previous month. These articles have been carefully selected to help you deepen your understanding of our industry and enhance your wine expertise. Take your time to explore the articles and updates from March that we've curated just for you. They cover a range of topics that are relevant and insightful. We hope you find them as helpful as we did! Wine Law Updates Rioja adopts new village and vineyard designations Establishment of the Contra Costa Viticultural Area and Modification of the San Francisco Bay and Central Coast Viticultural Areas Spain’s newest Vino de Pago: Rosalejo Vintage Updates Napa Bud Break Begins Walla Walla Valley vineyards take a hit after January freeze West Australian wineries record 'worst harvest' in years following the state's hottest summer on record Freixenet to produce declassified sparkling as severe drought hits Catalonia Bud break begins in Columbia Valley Wine Release Updates A New Chapter in Piedmont—Former Vietti Owners Establish a New Barolo Winery Certification News Vinitaly International Academy Celebrate 12 New Italian Wine Ambassadors certified at its New York edition Current Events China abolishes tariffs on Australian wine Winery in north Israel goes up in flames after rocket attack Wine Region Details Ukraine’s Fine Wine Industry Endures and Grows in Wartime F&B Industry News Texsom Results are in! Time to Retire the Term “Women Winemakers?” When your restaurant cancellation fee costs as much as your dinner History 100 years of OIV: spotlighting Women's role in the Vine and Wine world Interesting Articles Grapevine Viruses: A Look at Transatlantic Journeys, Quarantines and the Latest News Wine expertise reshapes the brain: Sommeliers show altered neural activity when tasting wine Ettore Germano trials screwcap on Barolo Brain on Winemaking: Mastering Minerality We would love to hear your thoughts and insights! Did any particular piece resonate with you? Do you have any additional articles or experiences to share? Join the conversation in the comments below and let's create a vibrant community of wine enthusiasts. Your unique perspective and contributions are highly valued. Cheers to expanding our knowledge together!

SAKE: CONTINUING EDUCATION A guide to sake certifications, organizations, and recommended resources. ​ ​ ​ Sake 101 Sake 201 Storage & Service Labeling & Laws Sake Glossary Tasting More History and Industry Rice Kōji Water Yeast Starters More Fermentation Finishing Methods Styles & Specialty Regionality Brands Continuing Education More SAKE CERTIFICATIONS This is a two level course. The first is Certified Sake Professional (CSP) which is offered in the US. The second is the Advanced Sake Professional (ASP) which is only offered in Japan. A masters program is currently being designed. All of which are highly sought after for working professionals in the sake industry. LEARN MORE WSET has two programs for sake currently. Level One and Level Three. Level One will give you all the basics of sake and provide you with proper knowledge for every day sake details. Level Three is a large leap and much more intensive, with the addition of essays and tasting examinations. This program includes some of the most detailed information in the business. LEARN MORE The Japan Sommelier Association Sake Diploma is an extensive qualification for both sake and shochu. This unique program is designed specifically from the standpoint of a sommelier. Created to elevate service standards and increase overall knowledge of these two products. Offered in both Japanese and English. LEARN MORE The Sake Sommelier Association has a comprehensive list of courses to suit all levels. The programs bring an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals while at the same time receiving serious career development. Each course, from introductory to master, has been developed as a comprehensive curriculum that provides students with a cultural, historical, social, and economic framework to succeed in the rapidly developed sake industry. LEARN MORE The Sake Scholar is a new course dedicated to exploring the sake regions of Japan. This advanced course is designed for sake experts and professionals. It will tell sake’s story through a variety of narratives, notably through curated tastings of hard to find sakes and shochu, from all 47 Japanese prefectures. Students will feel like they have travelled the sake world by the end of the course and have a solid understanding of Japan’s fascinating sake corners. LEARN MORE In order to meet the demand from an increasing number of sake fans, Sake Service Institute has made it their mission to empower sake representatives worldwide to have the confidence to sell and spread the joy of sake to others. The Certified Sake Advisor and the Certified Sake Sommelier courses are geared towards hospitality industry professionals as well as serious sake enthusiasts. LEARN MORE SAKE BOOKS These are affiliate links, if you purchase any of the below items using these links, it will help support the growth of this website and more educational opportunities for you. ​ ​ Complete Guide to Japanese Drinks Koji Alchemy Nihonshu: Japanese Sake Sake and the Wines of Japan Sake: The History, Stories and Craft of Japan's Artisanal Breweries Sake Bible Sake Book Sake Confidential Sake Handbook SAKE ORGANIZATIONS Brewing Society of Japan Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Society National Research Institute of Brewing Sake Brewers Association of North America Sake School of America Sake World Society for Nada Sake Research Urban Sake

JWE ARTICLES ALISOS CANYON AVA Alisos Canyon AVA becomes an AVA within Santa Barbara County in Central Coast, California. Located in a "Goldilocks Rhone Zone", 24.5 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. Read More CHALK SOILS IN ENGLAND Today we have a guest article from Teri Wheeler van Aalst about England's wine regions and their gaining of attention for their noteworthy terroirs. Read More HANGOVER SCIENCE The hangover, medically known as veisalgia, derived from the Norwegian kveis (uneasiness following debauchery) and Greek algia (pain) is a bit of a mystery. There is not a solid answer on why hangovers occur, however, below are the most common findings. Read More KOSHER EXPLAINED A common misconception about kosher products is that they are made differently than non-kosher products. Kosher products are produced the same as non-Kosher products, where the difference comes in to play, is in the handling. Read More NEW AVAS FOR WASHINGTON STATE Washington State received numerous new AVAs including Goose Gap AVA, The Burn of Columbia Valley AVA, White Bluffs AVA, Royal Slope AVA, and Candy Mountain AVA. Read More PALOS VERDES PENINSULA AVA Palos Verdes Peninsula AVA becomes an AVA within Los Angeles County in Southern California Read More POUILLY-FUISSÉ AOP 22 Premier Crus approved for Pouilly Fuissé AOP Read More RUSTER AUSBRUCH Ruster Ausbruch becomes a DAC on the western bank of Lake Neusiedlersee in Burgenland, Austria. Read More SULFITE BREAKDOWN Sulfites are a natural bi-product of fermentation that is present in all wine. Sulfites are a common antioxidant and preservative found in many commonly consumed foods. Read More TEHACHAPI MOUNTAINS AVA Tehachapi Mountains becomes an AVA within California, just south of Bakersfield. This high elevation AVA is capable of wine grape growing due to warming winds from the Mojave Desert (east) and San Joaquin Valley (west). Read More THE SCIENCE AND TASTE OF WINE Today we have a guest article from Teri Wheeler van Aalst about the science of taste. Read More WINKLER INDEX to our culinary experiences. Read More

RESOURCES Resources are crucial when it comes to studying, we have put together an abundance of resources to aide in your studies! Click each picture below to be directed to the resource. Access is free, just create an account by clicking the blue icon in the top right corner. We appreciate your support in keeping this resource available to all . Articles Beer Resources Book Recommendations Certification Organizations Community Groups Deductive Tasting Grids Grape Guide Journals Map Resources Planners Producer Resources Regional Maps Sake Resources Spirits Resources Study Guides Tasting Tools Vintage Resources Website Recommendations Wine Glossary Wine Map Coloring Books VIRTUAL REALITY E-LEARNING ​ A 12-session virtual reality course on the Fundamentals of Wine. This course is featured exclusively on VRLU. Click the below links for sneak peeks and behind the scenes videos about this unique course. ​ • TEASER • • INTERVIEW • • BEHIND THE SCENES • ​ ​ CLICK TO LEARN IN VIRTUAL REALITY