06/03/2026
Cheers to International Sommelier Day - the perfect time to meet the Somm Behind TCS! My name is Stephanie Schmid & my wine journey began in Napa Valley 25 years ago. As a young law student in CA, I spent my downtime enjoying the beauty & bounty of the vineyards. So began a love affair with wine, food, & travel + the rich conversations & cultural connections forged through enjoying them with friends & family.
My horizons & my palate expanded greatly in my 30s as I traveled the world serving 🇺🇸 as a U.S. diplomat. Whenever a difficult policy discussion arose or passions became inflamed, I sought common ground through the universal language of wine & gastronomy - sharing recipes & bottles carried from home & paired with contributions from my host countries’ local wine & cuisine. When we share the things that nourish our bodies & souls while telling their origin stories our differences of opinion tend to fade.
After two decades in law, foreign policy, & human rights, & in the aftermath of great personal loss & grief, I knew that my future calling would be centered on cultivating what the French call “joie de vivre” - the daily practice of cultivating joy in our lives - by turning my lifelong passions into my new profession. After traveling through France, Italy, & Greece, immersing myself in European wine culture & traditions, I returned to Napa & earned my Level Three Award in Wines with Merit at the prestigious while participating in Harvest 2024.
Today, I use my passion, expertise, & deep international experience + connections to serve as your passport to global wine culture & adventure. As the founder of The Cultured Somm, I curate exceptional wine, food, & travel experiences, events, & journeys that blend education, cultural discovery, & joy for everyone from wine novices to connoisseurs. Every wine tasting, event, & global adventure is transformed into an opportunity for connection, exploration, & joie de vivre. From intimate wine gatherings to grand journeys in renowned wine regions, TCS is here to elevate your wine journey & enjoyment of life. We are where wine meets wanderlust. Join us at www.theculturedsomm.com.
