the craft. establishing authority.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines ‘authority’ as: “power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behavior.” In this social media age, it seems pretty easy for anyone to establish themselves as an authority in a particular subject matter. From tech, food and media to sports and politics, we all have the opportunity to create our own special pocket of influence and grow a following over a period of time, all with the click of a button.

In the world of wine, there are a few ways you can be identified as an expert in the field. While formal education isn’t obligatory, it is encouraged to take different courses through The Court of Master Sommeliers, Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) or the Society of Wine Educators. Each of these providers offers extensive levels of learning in order to become well versed in the subject of wine service, wine regions and other important aspects of hospitality

In my case, I have my WSET Level 3 certification (with merit) and have traveled to several wine regions around the world to expand my knowledge of fermented grape juice. I’m often asked if I’m a sommelier, and in a way, I am. A sommelier is simply defined as ‘a wine steward’, and while I don’t have the pleasure of serving wine table side in a restaurant daily, I do have a responsibility to tell the story of wine in the most authentic and truthful way possible.

When I discovered my love for wine a little over a decade ago, it never crossed my mind that I would one day write for some of the industry’s biggest trade publications, let alone interact with some of the most well-known wine professionals in the world. And while I could have approached this industry from the “traditional” perspective of serving wine in a restaurant, for the last five years, I’ve used my love for words and storytelling to explore how to draw people closer to this drink that has been around since before Christ walked the earth.

And while social media has absolutely helped me to share my work and cement my own unique footprint in this space, here are three ways in which I’ve learned to embrace and establish authority in writing and my career.

Stay true to who you are. Not gonna hold you – wine (varieties, regions, etc.) can be intimidating AF. Yes, it is often viewed as a bougie beverage, but trust me that it’s sometimes the atmosphere in which it is consumed that makes it such. And while I do have bougie tendencies, I’ve made sure not to feel like I have to change who I am when I’m in these rooms with vintages that are as old (if sometimes older) than me. Whether I’m rocking waist length braids wearing a dress and heels or my natural curls with ripped jeans, a graphic tee and Jordans, I belong in these rooms and I deserve to show up as my full self always.

Never stop being a student. I love learning about wine. From how it is made to the people who so passionately make it their life’s work, I truly enjoy talking about it, exploring it and of course, drinking it. I think having a slight obsession with your subject matter is a major key when it comes to establishing your authority in any space. And whatever you learn, it’s always important to share that new knowledge with confidence.

Follow what sparks curiosity and joy. Wine is such a broad subject. As I continue to learn about it, I’m finding new things that excite me to want to tell different stories. Sure, writing is hard, but nothing compares to discovering a new way to share a perspective, especially if there’s an opportunity to share your personal story along the way. The more you feed your curiosity, the more you will open the door for your creativity to shine.

Remember, nobody can do you like you do! Establishing yourself as an authority takes time, so give yourself grace, be patient and remain consistent.