Hilarie Larson CSW, FWS

Hilarie’s passion for wine began in the 1970’s while in the European hospitality industry. Over the years, she worked in travel and hospitality and owned an Antiques business for over a decade, gaining experience as a small business owner.

In 2003 she began her wine career in earnest in her native British Columbia, Canada, working at Red Rooster Winery, La Frenz Winery and Therapy Vineyards where she was able to assist in the vineyard and cellar as well as the tasting rooms. In 2004 she acquired her certificate from the Court of Master Sommelier.

A stint with Anderson & Son Winebrokers in Penticton, B.C. expanded her knowledge of world wines; writing restaurant tasting notes and wine lists, shelf talkers, articles as well as compiling a sales manual for the various local and international wines represented by the company.

Next stop, Washington State and Maryhill Winery; “Washington States’ Winery of the Year”! As their Resident Sommelier, Hilarie provided staff education and training in addition to assisting in the tasting room and wine club.

Hilarie currently brings her experience and enthusiasm to California where she was instrumental in the start up and staff training for Europa Village in Temecula Wine country and wine education for Miramonte Winery and Wilson Creek among others. She plans to continue consulting with winery owners to develop well trained and educated teams for their tasting rooms and wine clubs and speaking at events such as the International Wine Tourism Conference 2015 in Champagne, France.

Hilarie contributes wine related articles to several recognized blogs, Wine Geographic. Wine Folly.com and International Wine Accessories, to name a few and was honored to be awarded the 2013 Emerging Writer Scholarship from IFWTWA - the International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association.

CSW - Certified Specialist of Wine
FWS - French Wine Scholar, French Wine Society & Wines of France
Certificate from the Court of Master Sommelier
CIVP Certified Provence Instructor
BIVB Ambassador of the Wines of Bourgogne

2013 Emerging Writer Scholarship Award, International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association

Contributing Writer, Wine Folly.com

Contributing Writer, International Wine Accessories Blog

Member Society of Wine Educators

Member Guild of Sommelier

Member French Wine Society

Member International Food, Wine and Travel W