About

Great Vines & Wines is an organization that provides education to individuals and culinary professionals who wish to expand their knowledge of wine, wine and food pairings, and fine wine service. Founder Deborah Reitz began her wine journey as a natural development of her passions for cooking and travel. During that time, Deborah developed a broad knowledge of wine and eventually formalized her training through the Wine and Spirits Education Trust and the Society for Wine Educators. She earned credentials as a Certified Specialist of Wine [CSW] through the Society of Wine Educators. In addition, she earned a Certificate in Wines of France and a Certificate in Wines of Italy from Cornell University. Deborah is a member of the Society for Wine Educators and the American Wine Society. She recently returned from Portugal where she visited the Adega Regional de Colares, the oldest cooperative winery in Portugal, and learned of the efforts to protect and preserve the unique and historic vineyards planted in the sand beaches of Colares.

My Story

My passion for wine has been several decades in the making. I enjoyed cooking and began to explore wine as an accompaniment to food. As I entered the business world, wine soon replaced the beverages of my college years, and I began to explore wines from all over the world that were suddenly becoming available on restaurant menus as well as at my local wine store. As I matured and developed a palate for interesting food, I began to experience the magic of a perfect wine pairing. An avid reader of cookbooks, I soon began to read anything I could find on wine. I discovered that my passion for wine extends to understanding not just the process of wine - including agriculture, geology, geography and climate – but the people who are intimately involved in the creation of this drink whose origins date back thousands of years. Along the way I’ve met some fascinating individuals, earned professional certifications in wine, and enjoyed some amazing wine.

My Mission

I take pleasure in sharing my knowledge and passion for wine, and hope that you will join me on a journey to explore a deeper understanding of wine and the individuals who create it.