Introduction

        Hey all! My name is Reilly. I’m currently a senior studying Animal Science, although I’ll be commissioning into the Marine Corps shortly after graduation, where I hope to fly. I’m from Stafford, Virginia, which is basically NOVA (unless you’re from NOVA and then you know it’s not). My family, friends, and dogs are my favorite things, and I love anything outdoors. 

                                                                                                 

        My older cousin was actually in this class many years ago, and he has never stopped raving about it. I tried to take it last year, but I’ve been fighting to graduate in 4 years, and unfortunately had to switch it out for another class. When my advisor recommended this class to fulfill one of the last requirements for graduation, I was so, SO happy. Especially when I found out that this is the last semester for the class (very lucky). I am excited to make the most out of the class, and learn, and feel like it’s the perfect class to end my experience at Virginia Tech.

        My experience with wine is not very extensive. My immediate family rarely drinks. My dad would have the occasional beer, and I would try it, but never was a big fan. My dad’s sisters, however, are INSANE wine drinkers. You rarely see them without a glass of red in their hands. We have a tradition of renting out a beach house over Xmas break with my dad’s family, and there we do a wine tasting every year. Each family brings a white and red wine of choice, and then we cover them in paper bags. We have a red tasting night, and a white tasting night, and sit and discuss the flavors of each before assigning a “winner” and making guesses on what each wine is. It is always very fun, and although I did it when I was younger just as a chance to drink, I have since grown to appreciate the flavors. My cousin, the wine expert, is almost always correct about the wine, and has been pressuring me to take this class. 

        
I have learned that I am not a huge red fan, but I hope to change that this semester (with a new perspective and appreciation?). I do however, LOVE white wine. Especially Barefoot and Moscato (the extremely light and fruity kinds that go down easy and get you tipsy quick). I’ve never really tried pairing wines with foods or cheese, so I’m definitely excited for that. I also hope to learn more just about the more broad different types of wines, and how people are able to differentiate between the kinds just by tasting them. Overall, I do not have a ton of wine knowledge, but I am looking forwards to learning more about it, and just having this experience.