Wine educator Billie Joyce is passionate about the grape. An avid student of oenology, Ms. Joyce holds the WSET*DIPLOMA; and is now officially a student of the prestigious Institute of Masters of Wine program. After an extensive background in the food and wine industry, which included both front and back-of-the-house experience in Fine Dining and Catering, Billie moved into retail several years ago, and quickly found herself enjoying two years as Assistant Manager and Buyer at Mallory Lane Wine and Spirits in Franklin, TN followed by two years as General Manager and Buyer at J. Barleycorn Wine and Spirits in Nashville, TN.

In 2011, the opportunity to travel to Vancouver Island, British Columbia to be the Director of Wine, Spirits and Special Events at two of Vancouver Island’s top private stores presented itself. Billie implemented wine education and cooking classes, taking both stores to new levels. But in 2012, opportunities in Nashville and its burgeoning food and wine community called her name and she returned with her eye on starting her own company, ‘Thru the Vines’ (previously known as ‘The 2nd Glass’). Her objectives are not only to educate the wine consumer but also to bring people together. She recognizes that the enjoyment of wine and food helps people slow down from the hectic pace that their lives often demand, making it easier to relax, connect, and share their lives. Billie’s passion for wine is contagious and she hopes her clientele will benefit from that passion as she introduces them to new and intriguing wines from around the world.

View original post here Via NashvilleBusiness.net