Jen on the Value of Values Podcast

In January, I was deep into studying for my last two WSET Diploma tests, and headed to Philly for a weekend of tasting preparation. While working diligently to differentiate Cava from Crémant and Amontillado Sherry from Sercial MadeiraI, I met Thomas Metelski, a fellow diploma candidate who also records a podcast called the Value of Values. I was intrigued by this concept, and when our heads were only slightly spinning from too much information and fortified wines, I asked him to explain more. His podcasts are extended discussions with leaders and entrepreneurs in all different fields, to get to the heart of what has influenced their decisions and aspirations. And personally, he’s a long-time Finger Lakes wine champion, so me owning the Black Walnut B&B in the heart of the region was intriguing. 

We decided to wait until after the tests, and sat down on a cold February afternoon to talk wine, owning a BnB, and everything in between. My story has many twists and turns - I was a choreographer and dance teacher in NYC, I have a degree in archaeology from the University of Chicago, and for a while, I thought I wanted to be a winemaker - so it was fun to reminisce about my journey to the Finger Lakes and really think about why I am doing this whole Inn and wine thing. 

If you are interested in a few good stories about making sharp left turns in your life, finding community, and pursuing many different side-quests, take a listen!