Episode 144 - George Staikos, the Founder and Educator of The Educated Grape, and special guest, Marvella Castaneda, the 2024 Sommlympics "Star du Spectacle" Recipient

This episode features a conversation with George Staikos, the Founder and Educator of The Educated Grape, as well as a guest appearance from the 2024 Sommlympics "Star du Spectacle" award recipient, Marvella Castaneda. George serves as the Head of Education for the US Bureau for the Comité Champagne (CIVC), and they recently sponsored one of the Grand Prizes for the 2024 Sommlympics competition in Atlanta, GA, so we talk about what the trip to Champagne will entail for Sommlympian. George is a 35-year veteran of the wine and hospitality industry known for sharing his passion for wine appreciation. His company specializes in interactive education programs, events, and trips as well as sales consulting for 9 small, family-owned luxury wineries. Prior to his current roles, George held national sales positions for Napa and Sonoma wineries including Jordan Vineyard & Winery, Quintessa, and Ramey Wine Cellars. His national hospitality experience also encompasses food and beverage positions, such as sommelier and food and beverage director, from California, Miami, Washington DC, and New York, operating three AAA Five Diamond rated hotels. He serves as the national officer of the Chaine des Rotisseurs, a worldwide food and wine organization, serving as Grand Echanson (Wine Director) where he organizes the annual regional and national Jeunes Sommelier Competition for qualifying sommeliers under 30 years of age. Staikos is a graduate of Florida International University in Miami with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management. He is married with three children and three granddaughters and resides in Erwinna, PA, an hour outside of Philadelphia. You can follow @educatedgrape on social media and visit www.theeducatedgrape.com to learn more about George's company, and you can visit www.champagne.fr/en to learn more about the CIVC.

Recorded January 8, 2025