Masterclass Seminar: A Brilliant Tasting of Stunning Sake with Master Sommelier & Certified Sake Advisor Robert Jones.  Grand Tasting Included.

Enjoy a Rare Opportunity to Savor a Selection of Highly Regarded Sake 

***Your ticket includes the Masterclass Seminar and the Saturday Evening Walk-Around Grand Tasting, just steps away from the seminar area.

This is the first Masterclass seminar in the history of the Virginia Wine Expo which has focused on world-class sake.  Master Sommelier Robert Jones will lead you through an enlightening experience, covering the origins of sake, what it is made from, the various levels of quality and, of course, how they taste.  This seminar is appropriate for sake enthusiasts or novice drinkers looking to expand their palate and understanding of this legendary craft beverage that is made with rice, brewed like beer, and drinks like a light distilled spirit.

With Your Ticket, You Will:

• Learn about the origins, history, brewing process, and quality designations of sake
• Taste 8+ excellent sake's

Important Information

• After the seminar concludes you may attend the Saturday evening Walk-Around Grand Tasting
• 21 or over
• Attire is casual 

About Robert Jones MS (Master Sommelier)

Robert Jones grew up in Roanoke VA and holds a BA in Psychology from Roanoke College. Since June of 2001 he has worked as a national account manager for the wine importing company Kysela Père et Fils, LTD. and, as a side project, runs the wine bar and beverage program at his wife’s business, Leek & Thistle, on East Main Street RVA.

 Prior to that he spent 14 years working in restaurants, hotels, and private clubs in these locations:

-       Roanoke VA

-       Charlotte NC

-       Martha’s Vineyard MA

-       Atlanta GA

-       Richmond VA

Under Robert’s tenure as the sommelier and assistant maître d for the Dining Room the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead in Atlanta, GA (1996 – 1999) the restaurant earned the coveted and rare Mobil 5 Star award, becoming one of 14 restaurants in the country to achieve that distinction.

In October 1999 Robert passed the service and blind tasting components of the Master Sommelier exam, and in March 2001 he passed the theoretical component of the Master Sommelier exam, becoming the country’s 47^th Master Sommelier. Today there are ~275 Master Sommeliers worldwide, ~175 of which are in the USA.

Robert participates, as an instructor and examiner, in all levels of the examinations and courses offered by the Court of Master Sommeliers, serves on the Board of Directors for the Court of Master Sommeliers, and has led educational/buying trips to wine regions in Europe, South America, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.