about
Our wine lady
Michele Padberg - Member of the Circle of Wine Writers & Association of Wine Educators. Co-Owner Vivac Winery, Advanced Sommelier with Master Certifications, International Wine Judge &
Contributor & Editorial Board for The New Normal E-Book.
My true love for wine blossomed when I returned to New Mexico in 2001 to visit my family and reconnected with an old friend who would later become my husband and one of my business partners at Vivac Winery. The thirst for knowledge (and wine) was instant and profoundly intense as we started the winery and I watched how chemistry and art weave together to create a fine wine. I became driven to read every book I could get my hands on while I climbed the illustrious ladder toward Master Sommelier. Our extensive travel opportunities, with extended time spent in Colombia, Central Europe, Italy, Mexico & even Bali, has allowed us to learn to sail, go paragliding, cave spelunking, scuba dive with sharks, escape rock avalanches, ski epic mountains, and eat our weight in local delicacies all the while discovering the wines hiding in the secret spaces of the world. My infectious enthusiasm for all wines has allowed me to share my knowledge on many stages and in countless ways. It is a part of my goals to enlighten the greater world of the power, grace and integrity of New Mexico Wines. I hope to spark joy, in general, for the love affair of food and wine that everyone needs in order to live a fulfilled life. Viva Vino!
her
Resume
Editorial Board & Contributor at: NEW NORMAL International Digital Wine Publication
International Wine Competition Judge at:
International Wine Challenge in London (promoted to Judge status 1st year), England, Mondial des Vins Blanc Extremes in Aosta, Italy, Mondial des Vins Blanc Strasbourg in Strasbourg, France. Berliner Wein Trophy International Wine Competition in Berlin, Germany. San Francisco International Wine Competition in San Francisco, CA. San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition in Sonoma, California. Great American International Wine Competition in Rochester, NY. Texas International Wine Competition in Austin, TX. VinAgora International Wine Competition in Budapest, Hungary. Grand Prix Vinnex International Wine Competition in Valtice, Czech Republic. FestWine International Wine Competition in Moravia Czech Republic
Wine Writer:
*5 Barricas, Spain - Contributor
*Edible Magazine, New Mexico - Wine Authority
*Blogger: Wine First, Fueled By Vivac, Guest Blogger
*Horse Fly Newspaper (continuous column), Taos
*Taos News, Taos
*Mariposa Newsletter (continuous column), Espanola
*5 Magazine, Taos
*Local Flavor Magazine, ABQ
*Star/ Host of Network Wine Shows:
Off The Vine, Great Grape, and Wine Revolution. Pilots and 1st seasons shot.
*Wine Consulting: Assisting wineries, restaurants, wine shops & private corporations with wine education, marketing & distribution strategies. Teaching wine classes, marketing classes & consumer savvy.
*Wine Educator: Member of the Association of Wine educators. Instructor for large forum group tastings at University of New Mexico Medical School Alumni functions, Focus groups at Vivac Winery & Wine Appreciation Classes at venues across the USA.
*Guest lecturer: American Consul-General VIP events, Colmar University Haute Alsace, American Wine Society National Conference, Annual NM Wine Conference, FUZE SW, Rotary Clubs across the USA, Historical Groups & Enology programs.
*NM Wine Association Marketing Committee Member: Sitting member since 2017. Assisting with the rebranding and marketing of the New Mexico’s wine industry and our partnership with NM True via the tourism department.
