How I became a Wine Expert

My Journey into the World of Wine and the Creation of The Connoisseurs Collection 🍷✨

As a passionate wine enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share the story of how I discovered my love for wine and what led me to create The Connoisseurs Collection. My name is Joe Beziek, and I’m a winemaker, wine enthusiast, and the founder of The Connoisseurs Collection. With a degree in Oenology and Viticulture from the University of Stellenbosch, I’ve spent years immersing myself in the craft of winemaking. This is a space where we’ll explore everything there is to know about wine—from the basics to the more intricate details that can transform your wine experience. So, grab a glass, and let’s dive into how I discovered my passion for wine and what inspired me to start this journey.

The Beginning of My Wine Journey

Believe it or not, I didn’t always have a deep connection to wine. In fact, I was completely unaware of its complexities until after finishing school. My first introduction came when I started working in a tasting room, a job I took without any knowledge. It wasn’t long before I found myself in the cellar, helping out with the harvest. On my third day there, I realized something profound: Wine is an art form. It’s not just a drink that magically flows from a tap; it’s a creation that requires passion, patience, and skill.

The realization that you only get one chance each year to create a masterpiece struck me hard. If you make a mistake, you have to wait another whole year for a second attempt—if you’re lucky enough to still have a job! This pressure and the challenge involved made me fall in love with winemaking. I decided to dive deeper, earning a degree in Oenology and Viticulture from the University of Stellenbosch via Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute. Since then, I’ve dedicated my career to the wine industry, working in various roles and learning from every experience.

The Vision of The Connoisseurs Collection - Making Wine Knowledge Accessible

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting people from all walks of life—whether they were beginners just starting their wine journey or seasoned professionals. One thing that stood out to me was how many people feel embarrassed or scared to ask questions about wine, fearing they might look uneducated. This is a mindset I want to change. We all have to start at the beginning... no matter how successful we eventually become. That’s why I created The Connoisseurs Collection: to share my knowledge in a way that’s easy to understand, making even the most complex aspects of wine feel approachable and exciting.

Great wines do more than just taste good—they tell a story. They become even more magical once you understand the effort, tradition, and artistry behind them. My mission is to break down these barriers and help you experience wine on a deeper level, so when you share a bottle with friends, you’re not just drinking—you’re sharing a piece of history, passion, and love.

What Makes The Connoisseurs Collection Different?

Transparency is a core value for me. I believe in showing you everything—from the vine to the glass. I’m not interested in focusing only on specific wine regions or varieties. Instead, I want to celebrate all outstanding wines, regardless of their origin. Whether it’s a new trend, an emerging wine region, or a rising star in the industry, we’ll explore it together. It’s about building a community of wine lovers who share a passion for discovery and aren’t limited by labels, regions, or preconceived notions.

A Memorable Moment: My First Encounter with Wine

I still remember one of my early experiences in the tasting room. I had a group of guests come in, and part of my job was to open a bottle of red wine for them. The problem was, I had never opened a bottle of wine before! I didn’t even know you had to remove the foil covering the cork. In my nervousness, I plunged the corkscrew straight through the foil, right in front of the guests!

Halfway through, it was obvious I didn’t know what I was doing. Instead of laughing at me, the guests kindly showed me the correct way with a smile. Their kindness made me realize that wine isn’t just for the wealthy or the snobbish; it’s for everyone. It’s for people who are willing to learn, share, and enjoy the experience together. If that kind person ever reads this: thank you. You didn’t just teach me how to open a bottle—you opened many doors (and bottles) for me.