An avid student of oenology, wine educator Billie Joyce has passion for the grape. She has a certificate in viticulture, holds the Level IV Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Diploma , spent two years as a student of the prestigious Institute of Masters of Wine program, and is currently enrolled in the IWSG’s Master of Bourgogne program.
With extensive experience in the food and wine industry as well as retail and distribution portfolio procurement, she uses her career’s experience and knowledge to focus on what she cares most for in wine world: the consumer.
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.
Billie’s wine background…
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 16 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,she was invited to move to Vancouver Island, British Columbia to be the Director of Wine, Spirits and Special Events at two of Vancouver Island’s top private stores. 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 brought her back. After another year as a wine consultant at the newly opened Iroquois Wine and Spirits, she was offered the opportunity to help start a small family owned distribution company. In 2013 she started with BonusBev Wine and Spirits, and stayed for 7 years; the last two of which she spent running the entire company, as Director of Operations and Portfolio manager. During this time, she resurrected her own company previously called ‘The 2nd Glass’ and renamed it ‘Thru the Vines’. With her eyes always on the prize of autonomy in 2020.Of course Covid 19 had other plans for 2020, however, she spent that time working in a small vineyard here in Nashville, while obtaining a certificate from Australia in Viticulture.
Billie is also a proud founding member of the Nashville Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier.
