Hello, everyone! I’m going through the class about creating a productive study environment, and it got me curious about what has helped you along the way. Do you have any favorite study playlists? A particular tool you use to organize your study space? Something that helps you stay engaged while studying? I almost always keep a fidget gadget with me when I’m reviewing theory.

My name is Megan - I am currently based in New Mexico but I was born and raised in northern California. After passing the Advanced Sommelier exam I began a research project in 2020 interviewing wine professionals across our industry. I asked a series of questions targeting how people entered the industry and what have they experienced since. One of the questions is what bottle or producer first sparked their interest - “the wine that got them into wine.” For me, it will always be Seth Kunin Syrah from Santa Barbara. I had only been working in the wine industry for a couple of months and I didn’t realize grapes tasted differently based on where they’re grown (such a mind blowing moment). His Syrah was both peppery and smoky, unlike the fruit forward wines of Paso Robles. Then I decided I wanted to do this for the rest of my life 🍇 It’s a question that I feel most of us have an answer to - and I would love to know yours! Please comment and let me know what your first wine was 🍷

Your first community post can be simple. Tell us your name and where you are based along with: 🍷 What certification are you currently working toward? 🧠 What is your biggest study challenge right now? 🎯 What would make studying feel easier or more effective for you? Then take a minute to welcome someone else while you're there. You already have something in common: You're both trying to become better learners.