The Cultured Somm

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The Cultured Somm

Our founder, a seasoned sommelier, realized that there was a gap in the market for a comprehensive, approachable, and joyful international wine community.

Where Wine Meets Wanderlust: Join a Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 with Merit Sommelier and former United States diplomat in curated, exceptional wine experiences, education, & cultural adventures around the globe. The Cultured Somm was born from a passion for the finer things in life and a desire to share unique discoveries from the world of global wine, food, and travel. She envisi

oned a place where everyone from novices to connoisseurs could come together to explore, learn, and celebrate the world of wine. Inspired by the French concept of 'Joie de Vivre,' or the joy of living, we set out to create more than just a wine club – we've built a community that embraces life's most beautiful moments, from intimate tastings at home to grand adventures across the globe. We believe that wine is not just a beverage, but a passport to culture, connection, and unforgettable experiences. With authentic cultural experiences, we’re bringing high taste to all levels of exposure to the world of wine and wanderlust. Our journey begins with curated wine tastings and events, and will soon expand into a vibrant hub for wine lovers, offering everything from cellar recommendations, entertaining selections and pairing suggestions with recipes, to travel guides within a membership structure, all designed to help our community sip, savor, and celebrate life to the fullest. We welcome you to join us as we cultivate a community celebrating the joy of living life to its fullest.

06/03/2026

Cheers to International Sommelier Day - the perfect time to meet the Somm Behind TCS! My name is Stephanie Schmid & my wine journey began in Napa Valley 25 years ago. As a young law student in CA, I spent my downtime enjoying the beauty & bounty of the vineyards. So began a love affair with wine, food, & travel + the rich conversations & cultural connections forged through enjoying them with friends & family.

My horizons & my palate expanded greatly in my 30s as I traveled the world serving 🇺🇸 as a U.S. diplomat. Whenever a difficult policy discussion arose or passions became inflamed, I sought common ground through the universal language of wine & gastronomy - sharing recipes & bottles carried from home & paired with contributions from my host countries’ local wine & cuisine. When we share the things that nourish our bodies & souls while telling their origin stories our differences of opinion tend to fade.

After two decades in law, foreign policy, & human rights, & in the aftermath of great personal loss & grief, I knew that my future calling would be centered on cultivating what the French call “joie de vivre” - the daily practice of cultivating joy in our lives - by turning my lifelong passions into my new profession. After traveling through France, Italy, & Greece, immersing myself in European wine culture & traditions, I returned to Napa & earned my Level Three Award in Wines with Merit at the prestigious while participating in Harvest 2024.

Today, I use my passion, expertise, & deep international experience + connections to serve as your passport to global wine culture & adventure. As the founder of The Cultured Somm, I curate exceptional wine, food, & travel experiences, events, & journeys that blend education, cultural discovery, & joy for everyone from wine novices to connoisseurs. Every wine tasting, event, & global adventure is transformed into an opportunity for connection, exploration, & joie de vivre. From intimate wine gatherings to grand journeys in renowned wine regions, TCS is here to elevate your wine journey & enjoyment of life. We are where wine meets wanderlust. Join us at www.theculturedsomm.com.

05/25/2026

Today we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of global democracy, liberty, and freedom. These are the same values that led me to serve as a United States Foreign Service Officer and Diplomat for nearly a decade.

For over 80 years we have lived in relative peace in a world shaped by the service and sacrifice of those who served and fought in World War II like my maternal grandfather, Donald McBroom.

Today, more than ever, we would be foolish to take those values and governing systems of peace and prosperity for granted.

I carry the words of General Dwight D. Eisenhower to the 180,000 Allied troops who sailed across the English Channel on June 6, 1944 in my heart today: “The tide has turned. The free men of the world are marching together to victory.” I pray we need never do so again.

05/21/2026

Cheers to International Chardonnay Day!

Did You Know:

🍾 Chardonnay is the primary white wine grape in traditional method sparkling wine, including British Bubbly & Champagne.

🥂 A Blanc de Blancs is 100% Chardonnay.

🍇 Chardonnay is the most widely planted white wine grape globally & can grow in cool, moderate, & warm climates.

Chardonnay is The Cultured Somm’s favorite white wine grape! Let’s pop a bottle of sparkling or still Chardonnay today in celebration of this stunning grape varietal.

Cheers 🍾🥂 to Chardonnay!

05/18/2026

The English countryside & British sparkling wine are as delightful, delicious, & enticing as anticipated. We’ve been treated to warm British hospitality, delicious food, & stunning wine at every turn. Cheers to another The Cultured Somm journey to the heart of where wine meets wanderlust.

Fancy an adventure to British Sparkling Wine Country in Summer 2027? DM to be the first on our trip release list!

05/13/2026

TCS Travel specializes in bespoke, small group journeys to the heart of Where Wine Meets Wanderlust led by our founder Stephanie, a former diplomat and expert sommelier who holds a Level 3 Award in Wines with Merit from and

You’ll experience insider access to vineyards hand-selected by Stephanie for their excellence & your enjoyment, stay in stunning luxury accommodations, and enjoy fine dining and local cultural gems.

We only have 4 rooms left for our January 2027 adventure in Bordeaux and the Dordogne in partnership with and in Summer 2027 we’re curating a journey to a rising wine region racking up awards & accolades!

Follow along over the next week as Stephanie hops across the pond for a dry run. Based on these 4 photos can you guess where she’s headed? Comment below and DM to be the first on the waitlist for this epic Summer 2027 journey!

05/10/2026

Moms make the world go round. They are the magic. They are the beating heart of every home. They are everything and today, especially, we honor and celebrate them. On Mother’s Day we give thanks for our Moms and all the other incredible Moms in our lives. Cheers & Happy Mother’s Day from The Cultured Somm 🥂

05/07/2026

Basically craving wine every day, everywhere. Which one’s calling your name today?

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Annapolis, MD
21403

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http://www.theculturedsomm.com/

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