NorCal Wine

$150/hour

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Introduction

I take wine seriously, but make learning about wine seriously fun. I'm Professor of Wine Studies at a college in wine country where my students include both consumers and winery personnel. I'm also a certified sommelier and have many other accreditations, including Diploma Wine & Spirits. My services include classes, tastings, wine dinners and wine tours. I can arrange for wine, glasses and decanters if needed.

Overview

Hired 6 times

Serves Oakland, CA

Background checked

1 employee

17 years in business

Business hours

Sun8:00 am - 10:00 pmMonClosed

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Check, Credit card, PayPal, Square cash app, and Venmo.

Featured Projects

1 photo

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, responsiveness, and punctuality.

4.5

4 reviews

5

75%

4

0%

3

25%

2

0%

1

0%

JD D.

6 days ago

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Hired on Thumbtack

Fred was amazing to work with! He was incredibly accommodating to our requests on the types of wine to include in the tasting, even going so far as to suggest a last minute change after he had a mediocre tasting with one we had selected. If I am ever in need of another sommelier for a private tasting, there is no doubt in my mind that I will immediately reach out to Fred again.

Details: Private / personalized tour • Don't need transportation arrangements • 7-15 • My home, venue, etc.

NorCal Wine's reply

Thank you, it was a pleasure doing the event for you. I always want people to have the best possible experience. So when I tried the wines in advance and noted that one was too young to show well, I was eager to suggest alternatives.

Wine Tastings and Tours

James G.

Jun 4, 2019

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Hired on Thumbtack

Fred's services was a great asset to my company's event. He was great with all the guest that walked through the event and was extremely helpful, responsive, and easy to work. Prior to the event Fred even helped me with some brainstorming ideas and with pricing to make sure everything was exactly how I wanted.

Details: Wine tasting • 21 - 30 guests • California • Education about about grapes, regions, and vineyards • Pouring service • Wine recommendations

NorCal Wine's reply

Thank you for the excellent review, James. It was very nice to work for you and fun pouring for StubHub's customers.

Sommelier Services & Lessons

Brian B.

Jul 25, 2019

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Hired on Thumbtack

Fred was an excellent somm for our work event. He managed a full tasting of 6 wines for 40 people without a hitch, was flexible enough to meet all of our needs, and left people with a great and educational experience. Highly recommend.

Details: Wine tasting • 11 - 20 guests • California • Education about about grapes, regions, and vineyards • Pouring service • Wine recommendations

NorCal Wine's reply

Thank you for the great review, Brian! It was a pleasure working with you and doing the event for your team.

Sommelier Services & Lessons

Erika F.

Nov 12, 2019

·

Hired on Thumbtack

Details: Wine tasting • 41 - 50 guests • France • California • Australia/New Zealand • Pouring service • Education about about grapes, regions, and vineyards

NorCal Wine's reply

Thank you for the review, Erika. Was there something that you'd have liked have gone differently?

Sommelier Services & Lessons

Credentials

Background Check

Frederick Swan

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My pricing is straightforward, based on time worked. I can work with any budget with respect to the wines and spirits.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I like to talk with the customer by phone to understand what their needs and wants are. Then I propose a customized experience that will meet, or exceed, their expectations.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a Certified Sommelier, hold a Diploma from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (a 2-year program), and have many other certifications, including French Wine Scholar, Certified Specialist of Wine, Italian Wine Professional, and California Wine Appellation specialist.

NorCal Wine

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