Holly Shaw - A Trip to France Left Me With a Desire To Learn More About Wine (Wine Blogger)

I love mixing up what I am drinking and exploring new areas such as parts of Spain, Portugal, Uruguay, and Italy. If I was going to go with a favourite region it would be the charm of Burgundy, the beauty of Chablis, the newer wines coming out of Willamette, Oregon & the depth and gorgeous wines of Bordeaux. Having said that, my list could go on forever!

Tell us more about yourself and your profession.

I moved to New York from California when I was 18 to pursue musical theater and danced with a ballet company. It wasn’t until my third child was born that I started to “study” wine formally. 

 I write a blog called, “Wine Not Whine” and you can find me on Instagram @winenotwhinemom talking about wine.



How would you describe your extensive wine knowledge?

I actually came from a family that didn’t drink wine. In my early 20s, a trip to France left me with a desire to learn more about wine. 

I read as much as I could get my hands on but I began my formal studies of wine with the WSET (Wine Spirits Education Trust) when my third son was born. The WSET has 4 levels. I hold the Diploma (which is Level 4) which comprises 6 tests. (Usually takes a number of years). 

The tests are notoriously hard with a low pass rate and many people drop out before finishing. The Diploma finishes with a ceremony in London where the late Steven Spurrier handed me my diploma!

Which wine you love the most and why?

Ooh, this is a tough question. I will say that when I started studying my favorite wines were from the French regions: Burgundy, Bordeaux, Pouilly-Fume, Sancerre, Cote Rotie, etc. These are probably still some of my favorite wines but when you become an expert in wine around the world you learn to appreciate the wine you wouldn’t usually reach for. 

I love mixing up what I am drinking and exploring new areas such as parts of Spain, Portugal, Uruguay, and Italy. If I was going to go with a favorite region it would be the charm of Burgundy, the beauty of Chablis, the newer wines coming out of Willamette, Oregon & the depth and gorgeous wines of Bordeaux. Having said that, my list could go on forever!



How important is social media validation in your profession?

I struggled for a long time with whether or not I would jump on the social media bandwagon. I didn’t really want to sit around posting pictures of myself with a wine bottle. It was only recently when I was diagnosed with breast cancer (1.5 years ago) that I decided to focus on things a little differently in my life. 

I decided I wanted to have a voice in the wine business which meant jumping into social media. I am older, but I think if you do anything in life looking for validation, you will be disappointed. I love the exposure to all the wine vineyards and people that social media allows you.




How would you describe your blogging style?

My style is approachable, fun, and educational. I try to post interesting facts and fun wines rather than tasting notes or boring facts that people can’t relate to. 

There are so many great wines out there and I try to include everything the world has to offer instead of focusing on specific regions or countries.



What are your other interests?

During the lock-down, I started taking ballet classes again after a 15-year hiatus, it’s been amazing. If I don’t have a wine glass in my hand, you will find me on the tennis courts. 

Other than that, I love people and supporting the small businesses in the town I live in. I am always a sucker for any volunteer work at the school or local food bank!




Interviewed by - Ritika Malhotra