Beloved by sommeliers for their versatility and gluggability (few grapes produce more delightfully chuggable wines than does Gamay Noir), the wines of Beaujolais rarely disappoint if one knows where to look. Beaujolais is a bit south of the famous Burgundian Côte-d'Or, and it has experienced a popularity boom in recent decades, in many thanks to brilliant marketing campaigns that introduced Beaujolais Nouveau to American markets for Thanksgiving. With this in mind, Beaujolais has so much more to offer, and we’ll be exploring the easy-drinking regional wines, and also the more site-specific wines of the Beaujolais Crus. Get stoked, because we certainly are. Here’s some information about our instructor, Kellee:
Meet Kellee Fiardet, a passionate and innovative young professional making waves in the wine industry. As the co-owner of New Wave Wine Co. an importing and distribution company based in the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon, Kellee has carved a niche for herself in curating a portfolio of small-production, natural-focused French wines that embody the essence of terroir. Kellee takes great pride in bringing these hidden gems to wine enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest, fostering a deeper appreciation for the artistry and individuality found in each bottle.
With an impressive tenure of over 15 years in the field, Kellee's journey began in the Oregon wine country but it was her time spent living in France where her love affair with wine truly blossomed. She immersed herself working harvest in Beaujolais for three consecutive years, gaining invaluable hands-on experience and deepening her understanding of the winemaking process. Her time in Europe also saw her collaborating with these same French winemakers, representing their wines internationally. Kellee honed her language skills and learned to speak French while living in France and furthered her expertise as a judge in wine competitions learning to hone her discerning palate and enhanced her ability to identify exceptional wines.
Kellee's dedication to her profession is evident in her diverse background. Prior to venturing into entrepreneurship, she worked for various importers, where she showcased her knowledge selling portfolios of French, Italian, and domestic wines. Eager to expand her education and appreciation of wine, Kellee travels the world, seeking out new experiences and opportunities to further her knowledge. She continuously strives to unearth hidden gems and introduce wine enthusiasts to the beauty of artisanal, natural French wines. Kellee's entrepreneurial spirit, extensive industry experience, and global perspective make her an inspiring figure in the wine industry, and her commitment to quality and authenticity sets her apart as a true connoisseur and advocate for the art of winemaking.