You might say it all began with a Pinot Noir-type wine in a simple bottle with a simple hand-painted label. Jim Barker had tried many wines before, certainly, but this one, the one he drank while visiting the family of a French roommate during a break from college was different. It was called Mercurey, and according to Barker, it "was like nirvana." His passion for wine was born right there.

When he moved to Washington in 1990, he worked in the computer IT field selling software to the US Federal Government. But, his passion was in special events work; Barker cultivated his interest and knowledge by attending area wine tastings and becoming more involved in the wine industry in general. In 1999, with four other enthusiasts, he founded the Washington Wine Academy. The others left for various alternate ventures, but Barker soldiered on, incorporating the academy as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in September of 2000. The academy's only full-time staff member, he has been running the organization with the help of volunteers for the past five years.

Barker is a gracious host who operates academy events with the precision of a special events planner. Wine Academy events never run out of food or drink, and Barker gets the details right…all the way down to special touches present at every event (and that we'll leave to your imagination just now). An enjoyable experience-one that is fulfilling on both a sensual and an intellectual level-is what Barker plans for all who attend a Washington Wine Academy event.

"Time is one of the most valuable items we have today," says Barker. "I want them to feel like they are getting value for it."

The Washington Wine Academy hosts various types of wine events from informal and formal tastings, private wine consultations, wine festivals and more. Take a moment and review our offerings and contact us if you would like to get onto our public or private events calendar.

Enjoy!

The Washington Wine Academy