Hilarie’s passion for wine began in the 1970’s while in the European hospitality industry.
In 2003 she began her wine career in earnest in her native British Columbia, Canada, working in the vineyards, cellars and tasting rooms of several wineries.
A stint with a Canadian winebroker expanded her knowledge of world wines and marketing as did several years working as Resident Sommelier for a Washington State Winery, providing staff education and training.

In 2004 she received her certificate from the Court of Master Sommelier and has since acquired her Certified Specialist of Wine and French Wine Scholar post-nominals.
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, Wilson Creek and others,

She consults with wine country businesses to develop well trained, educated teams and speaks at trade and consumer events such as the Wine Tourism Conference in Paso Robles, the San Diego International Wine Show and, most recently, the International Wine Tourism Conference in Champagne, France

Hilarie also writes about wine for Wine Geographic, Wine Folly, Examnier.com and other online sites.

She was honored to be awarded the 2013 Emerging Writer Scholarship from the International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association for whom she now acts as the Administrative Director.

Hilarie will be delivering a talk within the conference programme titled:

Keeping Up With ‘The Wine Tourist’

Wine tourism is a constantly evolving concept, reflecting ever-changing customer tastes and desires. Is your wine tourism business and/or territory keeping up-to-date? This informative talk will look at who today’s wine tourists are and what they’re seeking on their travels. Discover creative ways your organization or business can attract, engage and retain that most valuable asset – the customer.

Get the speaker notes for Session 1.3 – Keeping Up With ‘The Wine Tourist’>>