Wine Immersion Success Stories – Joelle Kurrus

Boldly Going...Down a New Career Path

With a husband, two Golden Retrievers, a house, and three businesses, all in Connecticut, Joelle Kurrus seemed permanently rooted in East Coast soil. At least that was until her husband and dogs accompanied her to the Napa Valley on what she thought would be a brief sabbatical from work to attend the CIA at Greystone Wine Immersion program.

Joelle had cultivated a lifelong interest in wine by creating pairing menus for friends and special events, but wanted to expand and deepen her knowledge. After researching wine education programs around the country, she soon decided on Greystone and its concentrated, month-long Wine Immersion.

"I believe I'd completed two classes when I was overcome with the feeling that I had found my life's passion," says Joelle. "At the time, I had no idea what kind of career I could channel this passion into, but by talking with my instructors, who are wine writers, sommeliers, wine makers, and professors at UC, Davis—and through field trips where we rubbed elbows with many different wine professionals—I was able to see the large spectrum of possibilities."

Within days of completing the Wine Immersion, Joelle flew home, sold her businesses, and returned to wine country to "boldly and unexpectedly set out on a new life's work." She studied for and passed the CIA Certified Wine Professional (C.W.P.) exam and researched wine-related jobs that would draw upon both her past career experiences and her newly minted wine knowledge.

Three days after receiving her C.W.P credential, Joelle had three job offers. She ultimately accepted a position as manager of special events and education for Cuvaison Estate Wines, a small, high-end, family-owned winery. "I can truly say that I use what I have learned at the CIA every day in my work," Joelle says. "It's hard to express how grateful I am to the CIA for my excellent education and for fueling the passion in me that would become a new career."

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