Dennis Fraley,DipWSET, CSW, FWS, CSWS

Dennis hails from Pittsburgh, PA where he obtained a B.A. in Chemistry from Washington and Jefferson College and a Masters in Anesthesia from La Roche College. He has resided in Florence, SC for the last 22 years where he currently works as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

His budding interest in wine led him to seek further education via the Wine and Spirits Education Trust. He completed his Intermediate and Advanced levels in Charleston, SC where he graduated with Distinction. He then went on to achieve the WSET Diploma of Wine and Spirits through the Neal Ewing School of Wine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Along the way he also achieved the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) designation and French Wine Scholar (FWS). He is currently working with The American Wine Society to become a Certified Wine Judge and a member of their Strategic Planning Committee.

Dennis teaches wine classes, performs guided educational tastings, works with local chefs performing food and wine pairing events and has been a judge for the Commissioner’s Cup Kentucky State wine competition. His monthly wine column, “The Bottle Talk,” has enjoyed now nine years of publication through The Florence Morning News and www.scnow.com.

The Bottle Talk column has been expanded to include multiple social media sites and a budding YouTube channel. The mantra “Think How You Drink” comes from the belief that when people take the time to really think about what they are putting in their gob, they not only appreciate the food and drink more, but also the labor of those that took the time and effort to produce it. 

This project began with the intentions to empower consumers to believe in their own palate and not be belittled by “industry professionals.” We also want to bridge the gap between producer and consumer through humor, education and, of course, consumption. I believe that (wine and spirits) education is like a good recipe, it is meant to be shared with others for greater appreciation.