Born from a love of wine, culture, & connection.

CULTIVATING JOIE DE VIVRE

The Cultured Somm was born from a passion for the finer things in life and a desire to share unique discoveries from the world of global wine, food, and travel. Our founder, a seasoned sommelier, realized that there was a gap in the market for a comprehensive, approachable, and joyful international wine community. She envisioned a place where everyone from novices to connoisseurs could come together to explore, learn, and celebrate the world of wine. Inspired by the French concept of 'Joie de Vivre,' or the joy of living, we set out to create more than just a wine club – we've built a community that embraces life's most beautiful moments, from intimate tastings at home to grand adventures across the globe.

We believe that wine is not just a beverage, but a passport to culture, connection, and unforgettable experiences. With authentic cultural experiences, we’re bringing high taste to all levels of exposure to the world of wine and wanderlust. Our journey begins with curated wine tastings and events, and will soon expand into a vibrant hub for wine lovers, offering everything from cellar recommendations, entertaining selections and pairing suggestions with recipes, to travel guides within a membership structure, all designed to help our community sip, savor, and celebrate life to the fullest. We welcome you to join us as we cultivate a community celebrating the joy of living life to its fullest.

Our values form the foundation of The Cultured Somm experience. We combine authentic expertise with approachable education, passionate guidance with joyful discovery, and educational depth with an adventurous spirit. These principles guide us in our mission to make wine culture fun and accessible while honoring the rich heritage behind every bottle. You can expect an experience that is:

Authentic

Experience wine through a genuine cultural lens, where every recommendation comes from firsthand experience. We share honest insights about wines and their origins, helping you build confidence in your choices.

Passionate

Our genuine enthusiasm drives us to uncover exceptional wines and experiences, ensuring you receive thoughtfully curated recommendations that inspire your own passion for wine and travel.

Joyful

Discover the pleasure in wine learning without pretense. We celebrate every step of your wine journey, from first sips to refined experiences, making each moment of discovery delightful.

Educational

Gain wine knowledge that flows naturally into your life. Our expertise is shared in clear, engaging ways that build your confidence and enhance your appreciation of wine, whether you're a novice or connoisseur.

Adventurous

We curate unique wine journeys tailored to your personal tastes and preferences, from discovering hidden gems in new regions, to crafting memorable celebrations and adventures that align with your values and passions.

Deep global perspective.

Stephanie L. Schmid brings a unique perspective shaped by years of global travel, cultural immersion, and exploration of international wine and food communities and traditions. As a former U.S. diplomat, Stephanie spent her thirties living and working in embassies around the world, developing a deep appreciation for the vital role wine plays in forging cultural connections, honoring local traditions, and elevating global celebrations. She first fell in love with wine in her early twenties as a law student living in Northern California who spent her weekends immersing herself in the rich wine culture of Napa and Sonoma. Nearly two decades later, Stephanie returned to the place where she first fell in love with wine, earning her WSET Level 3 Award in Wines with Merit from the prestigious Napa Valley Wine Academy.

This global lens, combined with her WSET Level 3 Award in Wines with Merit and her French, Portuguese, and Italian language skills, allows her to share wine knowledge that goes well beyond tasting notes to encompass the rich cultural heritage behind each bottle which she now shares with The Cultured Somm community.

Stephanie's approach to wine education is shaped by her belief that wine appreciation should be both elevated and accessible. Her experiences—from diplomatic receptions to intimate local gatherings—reveal how wine creates meaningful connections across cultures and backgrounds. Through The Cultured Somm, she combines her diplomatic experience, wine expertise, and passion for cultural exchange to create a space where wine knowledge flows naturally and every question is welcomed.

Beyond her formal training, Stephanie's true expertise lies in her ability to bridge cultural understanding with wine education, making complex wine concepts approachable while honoring their rich heritage. She founded The Cultured Somm to share not just wines, but the stories, traditions, and experiences that make them extraordinary.