Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitney Joseph.
Hi Whitney, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
One of the things I’m most proud of is that my journey into wine wasn’t traditional. I didn’t grow up around wine culture, and honestly, I didn’t even like wine at first. In 2012, I took a wine appreciation course at the University of Houston simply because I wanted to try something different. I had no idea that one class would completely change the direction of my life.
What started as curiosity quickly became a deep respect for the artistry, science, and storytelling behind wine. I became fascinated not just by how wine tastes, but by where it comes from, how it’s made, and the people and cultures connected to it. That curiosity pushed me to pursue formal education and hands-on experience in every way I could.
My formal wine education began at the University of Houston between 2012 and 2013, where I built a strong foundation in wine regions, production methods, and tasting techniques. Later, I studied viticulture at Texas Tech University from 2015 to 2016, which gave me a deeper understanding of grape growing and the agricultural science behind winemaking. I wanted to understand wine from the ground up – literally.
At the same time, I was gaining practical experience in the industry. While attending law school, I worked at Total Wine & More as both a cashier and wine sales associate. That experience was incredibly formative for me because it taught me how to connect with people through wine. I helped run wine classes, managed the wine bar, selected wines for presentations and tasting, and guided customers through those tastings. I learned how to make wine approachable instead of intimidating, and that became central to my philosophy.
Today, I’m a Level II Sommelier certified by the National Wine School with more than a decade of focused study and hands-on experience, and I’m currently pursuing my Level III certification. My business is built on the belief that wine should feel welcoming and accessible to everyone, regardless of background or experience level.
As a Black woman in the wine industry, I’m especially passionate about representation and creating spaces where people feel included. Wine has historically been viewed as exclusive or inaccessible, particularly within communities that haven’t always seen themselves reflected in that world. I want to help change that narrative. I want people to feel confident asking questions, trying new things, and discovering what they enjoy without feeling judged.
From standing in vineyards in California and Austria to hosting tastings and educational experiences today, every step of my journey has reinforced the same mission: to create meaningful wine experiences that are thoughtful, engaging, and enjoyable. Wine is about connection, culture, and conversation, and I love being able to share that with others.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think those challenges are part of what shaped my perspective and my business today.
One of the biggest challenges was entering the wine industry without a traditional background or network. I didn’t grow up around wine culture, so when I first started learning about wine, everything felt completely new and, at times, intimidating. Wine can sometimes feel like an exclusive space with unspoken rules, and as a Black woman, I didn’t always see people who looked like me represented in those environments.
Another challenge was balancing education, work, and long-term career goals all at the same time. While I was in law school, I was also working at Total Wine & More, studying wine seriously, and trying to gain as much hands-on experience as possible. There were long days and moments where I questioned whether I could realistically pursue both professional and personal ambitions at once.
I also had to overcome the idea that wine expertise only belongs to a certain type of person. Early on, I sometimes felt pressure to prove myself in rooms where people underestimated me or assumed I didn’t belong. Instead of letting that discourage me, it motivated me to become even more knowledgeable and intentional about my craft.
Pursuing certifications and continuing my education, including now working toward my Level III Sommelier certification, has required a lot of sacrifice, consistency, and confidence. Every challenge I have encountered has reinforced why representation and accessibility in wine matter so much to me and those experiences are ultimately what shaped my mission. I want people to walk into my events and feel welcomed, comfortable, and confident, whether they’re longtime wine lovers or trying wine for the very first time.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Sipping Somm is a wine experience brand focused on creating memorable, curated experiences that bring people together through wine, conversation, and culture. I offer private tastings, guided pairing experiences, educational workshops, and event collaborations designed to feel elevated while still being approachable and enjoyable.
What I really specialize in is creating experiences that feel personal. I pay close attention to the atmosphere, the storytelling behind the wines, and how people connect during the experience. I want guests to feel like they’re learning something new without feeling like they’re sitting in a lecture. It’s important to me that every event feels thoughtful, interactive, and welcoming. What sets The Sipping Somm apart is the balance between professionalism and relatability. I believe wine experiences can be refined without feeling rigid or pretentious. My brand is centered around making people feel comfortable enough to explore, ask questions, and discover what they enjoy.
I’m happy to be building a brand that feels authentic to who I am. The Sipping Somm reflects my love for hospitality, education, and creating community-centered experiences. Seeing people leave an event more confident, more curious, and genuinely excited about wine is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. I want readers to know that The Sipping Somm is about more than serving and drinking wine. It’s about creating moments people remember. Whether it’s an intimate tasting, a celebration, or an educational event, my goal is always to create an experience that feels intentional, engaging, and memorable.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
One of the best ways people can support The Sipping Somm is by attending events, booking experiences, sharing the business with others, and engaging with The Sipping Somm online (via the website and Instagram). I offer curated wine tastings, pairing experiences, private events, and educational workshops for both intimate gatherings and larger events. I also collaborate with brands, businesses, restaurants, and event planners to create thoughtful wine-centered experiences that feel engaging and approachable. Community support and genuine connections have been a huge part of my growth, and I’m excited to continue building meaningful partnerships and experiences as the brand grows.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thesippingsomm.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesippingsomm
Image Credits
Melissa K. McGowan Photography
J. Vince Photography
