2018: the year my wish came true!

Do you have a wish? Express it. Remember it. Make it concrete. It's not about dreams, but about wishes.

Easier said than done, I get that. But the past year has proven once again that wishes can come true. Ten years ago, I didn't even know the difference between Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, let alone think I could ever make a living from wine. I think from about three years ago, people around me were asking if I shouldn't start my own business? Um, and who would pay the rent? I never considered it an option. But over time, that changed. Because: what if it does work out? Um, THAT. WOULD. BE. SO. AWESOME.

And so I started thinking about it. And telling everyone.

Shit's getting real.

In June 2018, I decided to resign and leave my permanent position as product owner at Hallmark Cards. I'd continue freelance for another six months and finally say goodbye in December.

That happened, but also: Best nine of 2018

Instagram has compiled the highlights from 2018 with the best nine. It's special that my running action in Burgundy There's something in between. Admittedly, I was running for the photo. It was incredibly steep, and I couldn't move forward an inch. Before and after that (especially going downhill), I could, though. We were doing well. Mental note: I should start doing it again sometime.

For my birthday I got the Amadeo carafe from my brothers and partners. Couldn't be happier. Or could I? A carafe has to stay full, of course. A climate-controlled cabinet was necessary. I was unsure about the temperature of my bicycle shed, which used to serve as a wine cellar. Now this large unit right in the middle of the living room. #goals

I'm afraid I'll never become a minimalist.

In May I gave wine tastings at Cuisine Machine and reached 1500 followers on Instagram . Party time! I'm almost at 2500 now. I also organized a session with yogi Emma. Wine Yoga in the Vroesenpark in Rotterdam. That was hilarious. I was sitting with Denise, drinking Riesling RYPP Wine Festival , but that was a throwback to 2017. Luckily, we did it again in 2018. And finally: Hallmark. My colleagues each made a recipe and compiled it into Nadien's cookbook . Isn't it beautiful? I'm also glad my Romanian colleagues participated, because now I have the recipe for papanași. A powerful dessert (kind of a cross between a donut and a doughnut). I'm definitely going to make that sometime.

What am I going to do in 2019?

I have big plans for 2019. Teaching and writing are my favorites, so I'm going to focus on those. I have so many ideas, and now I can finally dedicate more time to them. I'm really looking forward to it.

The first months of the year are already very full with Wine courses . I'm teaching the Wijnstudio's basic and WSET-2 courses again. In February, I'll also be teaching a wine course at SDEN-3 level at Wijnkoperij Platenburg, and I'll be training a hospitality team at SDEN-2 level.

It to write consists of several facets. It's what I do at Le Club des Vins, covering all my wine adventures. This ranges from tasting notes and wine trips to other wine-related activities, with the occasional recipe thrown in. I'm also available for writing assignments (for clients including Boers & Boers, POOT agencies, and Résidence Wijnen). It could be product text or SEO copy. I support Wijnkoperij Platenburg with Online marketing (SEO, SEA, social). The great thing is that my CRO experience also comes in handy here.

I really enjoy that mix of CRO and wine. There's still a lot to be gained at most wine shops, which makes it even more fun. How many times have you been annoyed by a broken filter on a website? Or a wine shop without a search bar. Come on!

In addition, there's still studying to be done in 2019. In November, I completed my first WSET Diploma exam with an 82% (YAS!), so let's continue on that path. That's the goal. You can follow my progress in the series " The Road to Weinakademiker ."

Thank you!

Le Club des Vins has grown enormously over the past year. My visitor numbers have almost doubled, and my Instagram is also doing well. Gratefully and happily, I now pour a glass of wine sparkling wine and toast to the new year.

Cheers!