Spotlight on Jerry Greenfield the Wine Whisperer

Spotlight on Jerry Greenfield the Wine Whisperer
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Jerry Greenfield has taken his passion for education from the classroom to live virtual classes on GetSetUp. With a Master’s degree from the University of Florida, Jerry initially taught junior college and later traveled the world, teaching ESL in places like Madrid and working in video production in Israel. After returning to the U.S. in 1973, Jerry and his wife started an advertising agency. Today, he balances his time between advertising, teaching university freshman English, and sharing his passion for wine through short YouTube videos and GetSetUp classes. He also teaches a wine course at Florida Gulf Coast University.

His love for wine began with an epiphany when a friend poured him a 1995 Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. That moment ignited a passion for wine that led him to tastings, dinners, and courses. He and his wife even customized their home to accommodate their 800-bottle collection.

“Of my wine enthusiast friends, we have one of the smallest collections.”

Over the years, Jerry has become known as the Wine Whisperer. He has written several books on the subject, is recognized for his wine expertise, and writes a wine column for the Florida Weekly. His deep knowledge of wine is what makes him a valued expert on GetSetUp.

Jerry first learned about GetSetUp through a monthly newsletter from Bottom Line, and the rest is history.

Wine Advice from the Wine Whisperer

Jerry’s favorite wines come from France and Italy.

“We have traveled extensively to France and Italy, so I can relate personally. I have to say they don’t make wine in ugly places. So if you are looking to travel somewhere, pick a place that makes wine!”

Jerry loves sharing his wine knowledge with others and especially enjoys when learners turn on their cameras so he can see their expressions as they learn or sip along with him.

“I teach freshman composition to kids of about 18, but I don’t have a common cultural frame of reference with them. My examples they don’t know. With GetSetUp, we aren’t all the same age, but I have a lot more in common with a variety of ages in the classes. We share a cultural base, and that really helps me to get my points across.”

Jerry is impressed with the breadth of experience among the Guides and the wide variety of classes GetSetUp offers.

“I think it's an incredible opportunity for learners. I wish there was a way to get the word out faster and have more people come in all the time!”

The diversity of the GetSetUp community is one of the reasons Jerry enjoys teaching. He’s had learners from all over the world, including a regular from Hawaii and others from South Africa. Jerry encourages questions and loves the dynamic interaction in his classes.

How to Explore Wine: Tips from Jerry

When it comes to exploring wine, Jerry offers some practical advice:

Step 1: Narrow down your taste and preferences. Do you like red or white wine? Light and fruity, or full-bodied?

Step 2: Consider whether you’ll be pairing the wine with food.

Step 3: Find a local wine shop and seek advice from the experts.

While big stores like Costco and Total Wine may offer cheaper prices, Jerry recommends finding a local shop where you can trust the staff to guide you. Wine clubs can also be a great way to explore wines, but some may not offer bottles you can easily find locally.

One of Jerry and his wife’s favorite wines is Chardonnay by Rodney Strong. They also enjoy a good white Burgundy or a classic Chianti.

Jerry’s Top Tips for Selecting Good Wine

  1. Sample Widely (and Responsibly): The best way to find a good wine is to try many different ones. Part of the joy of sampling is discovering new vineyards and tastes.
  2. Start with the Basics: If you’re unsure where to begin, go with a classic white Chardonnay or a red Cabernet Sauvignon. These are common and a good starting point for your exploration.
  3. Find a Local Wine Store: Local shops often have knowledgeable staff who can help you, and you might meet other locals who share your interests. These shops are also great places to learn about local tastings.

Most importantly, Jerry says:

“There are two kinds of wines in the world. The kind you like and the kind you don’t. Exploring wines helps you learn which is which.”

Whether you join Jerry for a virtual sip or to learn more about a particular wine region, make sure to savor every moment of your wine journey!