Spring 2008

Renaissance Wine Academy: “Grand Cru Classes.” Great name for your wine school! Can you tell us the significance of the title?

Tracy Ellen Kamens: Many wine regions in France use a classification system to identify the exceptional vineyards or chateaux, which is particularly true in Bordeaux, where the best wines carry the term Grand Cru Classé (great growth classification) on their labels. Similarly, Grand Cru Classes wished to classify itself as a provider of the highest caliber of wine education. Also, we see ourselves as part of the great growth occurring in Long Island's wine region, and, with Long Island's wines more akin to Bordeaux than California, we feel the reference is apropos.

Renaissance Wine Academy: As a brick-and-mortar wine school, can you tell us a bit about your campus and location? Are there any wineries near your school?

Tracy Ellen Kamens: We believe strongly in Long Island’s wines and consequently chose to locate our wine education center in the heart of the wine region. In fact, we are literally located next door to one of the wineries (Macari Vineyards). We maintain a state-of-the-art tasting classroom featuring full-spectrum lighting, temperature-controlled wine storage, comfortable seating and flat-screen technology to display educational presentations, all situated within a Tuscan farmhouse-inspired décor. A small teaching vineyard was planted adjacent to the classroom in May 2007.

Renaissance Wine Academy: Who are typical clients for your classes? How much prior knowledge of wine do they need?

Tracy Ellen Kamens: Most of the classes we present are consumer-oriented. There is no typical client, but everyone has at least a passing interest in wine. No prior knowledge of wine is required and, while classes are adjusted to meet the learning needs of the participants, they are never watered-down, providing a true educational experience.

     Renaissance Wine Academy: What drew you into the wine business?

Tracy Ellen Kamens: Grand Cru Classes was created out of a serious love of wine and a desire to share that love with others, along with strong confidence in the North Fork wine region of Long Island. The need for wine education in the region, coupled with my years of experience as an educator, provided a unique opportunity to merge my dual passions.

     Renaissance Wine Academy: What do you like most about your job?

Tracy Ellen Kamens: I love talking about wine with people and watching them, especially wine novices, become excited to learn more. Of course, the need to taste lots of wine isn’t too bad either : )

     Renaissance Wine Academy: What are some new classes or projects that            you are working on?

Tracy Ellen Kamens: In addition to our public classes, I am teaching a class at New York University in March and have been collaborating on Italian wine classes with Accademia di Vino restaurant in Manhattan since Fall 2007.

      Renaissance Wine Academy: What are your top red and white wine favorites?

Tracy Ellen Kamens: I don’t really have a favorite wine of either color. I find that context can be almost as important as the contents in your glass. That being said, I must admit that my personal cellar is primarily stocked with Bordeaux and Long Island wines, although once we expand our storage capacity, I hope to invest more broadly.

     Renaissance Wine Academy: What are your two favorite wine and food            pairings?

Tracy Ellen Kamens: Not sure that I have a favorite in this category either. However, among the most unusual I have ever encountered was a poached egg, deep fried in parmesan cheese (a feat in itself!) paired with a Beaujolais, courtesy of John Doherty, Executive Chef at the Waldorf=Astoria. Believe it or not, it actually worked quite well!

     Renaissance Wine Academy:What advice do you have for anyone interested       in pursuing a path in wine or in adult training/education?

     Tracy Ellen Kamens: As these could be two different career paths, my specific advice would be different. However, as a common denominator, I am a big fan of the informational interview when people are considering a new career – talk to people in your proposed industry and learn what it really means to work in the field.

                        Tracy@GrandCruClasses.com

                        http://www.GrandCruClasses.com

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