The Wine Tutor at home, studying wine styles.

"With decades of on the site experience in the Napa Valley, a very keen eye for quality as well as an impeccable palate, John Thoreen's in-depth knowledge of California wine is in large part unequalled by any commentator in the field."
- Robert M. Parker, Jr.

 

 

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Welcome to The Wine Tutor's Home


John Thoreen, The Wine Tutor, has been polishing the art of wine country hospitality for 30 years. He  works as an "interpreter" for visitors to the Napa Valley who want to dig into the essence of this small and complex place. While the wines of Napa get high praise and deserve serious attention, John never loses sight of characters like Aristophanes, ancient Greek comic dramatist, who said: "Quickly, bring me a beaker of wine, so that I may whet my mind and say something clever." He salts his teachings with plain talk.

Known for years for the carefully tailored Tours and Excursion he designs (See THE ROBB REPORT), The Wine Tutor is shifting his emphasis toward speaking, especially to professional and business groups who are visiting Napa and want an immersion in the kind of life we lead here.

He will be offering a multi-faceted event for dinners or lunches; you could call them festivals. They might include a wine tasting game, a wine cultural monologue, discoveries of new wine aromas and flavors, private tutoring and, of course, an excellent dining experience. See Speeches and Tastings.

Thus, under one hat The Wine Tutor guides clients through the neighborhoods of Napa -- main streets and back roads alike. Under another hat, he enlivens dinners and entertains groups who want to hear several perspectives on Napa while learning a few of the tricks behind wine tasting.

When you're having business meetings in the Napa Valley, you can take your guests to wineries based on your choice and The Wine Tutor's experience. Then, at dinner, everyone can enjoy his insights, opinions and not-too-serious commentary about the ever changing local scene.

If you like, he can also bring The Napa Valley to you -- anywhere!

 

 

 

 

“On behalf of our whole group, I want to thank you for all the wine tours you set up and then graciously hosted. You obviously know everyone in Napa Valley that matters when it come to wine and their respect for you is obvious .”
- Robbie Pryde, Vice Chair T. D. Newcrest, Toronto

"John Thoreen has made it his business to know the Napa Valley like nobody else. John has visited the smallest and the largest, he knows the vineyards, the wines and the people and he has opinions. When John calls, I listen.
- Chris Howell
CAIN CELLARS

 

From the Epic of Gilgamesh, c. 2000 B.C.



Amethyst the fruit it bore,
A trellised vine, good to behold.
Lapis lazuli it bore as its grape clusters,
Fruit it bore, magnificent to look upon.