Misty Wilder is a Sommelier for Yeamans Hall Club in Charleston, South Carolina. She was invited to spend harvest 2024 embedded with the crew at Bethel Heights winery.
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Tell us about your background. Where are you from, and what got you interested in wine initially?
Originally from Washington, Georgia, moved to Charleston South Carolina to attend Johnson & Wales University where I studied Culinary Arts.
My interest in wine started while managing a restaurant downtown Charleston. I began meeting with wine reps and realized my palate was built for wine.
After changing careers into private golf clubs, I was once again given the opportunity to run the wine program. One of the many great things about working for private clubs is they support employees continuing education. This has allowed me to dive deeper into education and certifications such as CMS and WSET. I am currently working as the Sommelier at Yeamans Hall Club.
What made you decide to come work harvest in the Willamette Valley?
I was invited out to work Harvest at Bethel Heights. Since our club is seasonal and the food and beverage operations close during the summer. The general manager of YHC agreed this was an opportunity of a life time and supported me working the 2024 harvest.
How familiar were you with Willamette Valley wine before you came here? What are your initial impressions?
My knowledge of Willamette Valley wines was adequate. What turned my head around was the first time I tasted the wines of Bethel Heights with Betsy Reed. She was working the South Carolina market it was a no brainer that I had to get these wines in front of the members of YHC. I immediately booked a tasting event and it was a success. The members loved the wines and it brought awareness to what is going on in Willamette Valley.
My first trip to Willamette Valley was in 2023 to attend Pinot Camp. I returned in August 2023 for the Willamette Valley Wine Auction. After winning the bids on the Bethel and Hopewell wine lots, Ben Castell agreed to visit Yeamans Hall Club the following spring as our guest of honor for a wine dinner featuring the wines of Bethel and the auctions lots.
YHC is celebrating our Centennial year during the 2025-2026 season. I asked Ben with Bethel Heights if he would do a private label for us and he agreed. I returned to WV in May of 2024 to barrel taste 3 options for the YHC wine. I was so impressed with the way Ben allowed me to have a hand in what went into the bottle for our membership. We have 250 cases of 2023 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir and it is perfect! When I returned for the 2024 Willamette Valley Wine Auction, the YHC wine had just been bottled. I was so proud to hold the bottle in my hands not only for our membership but also proud of Bethel Heights and the Willamette Valley.
How is harvest going so far?
Working harvest is like seeing your favorite book being made into a movie and you get to be an actor with a major role. I am constantly reading books about wine whether for fun or education. My morning runs I am listening to podcast about wine. There is nothing that can compare to the hands on experience. The team at Bethel Heights makes sure that you are able to experience every part from start to finish.
What has been the most unexpected aspect of the Willamette Valley for you so far?
The people. All of the people. I work in the hospitality industry and for me to receive the same treatment that I give on a day to day basis, reassured me that Willamette Valley is truly something special. I feel at home here in WV.
What are your favorite tunes for working in the cellar?
Everything! The Bethel Heights team kept a fun rotation of music on at all times
Tell us about a memorable bottle of wine you had recently.
2014 Bethel Heights, High Wire, Chardonnay. This wine made me realize the potential, beauty and grace of Chardonnay in the Willamette Valley.
·Any specific plans post-harvest?
I am preparing for a very busy season at the club with lots of wine events.
All of my experiences and trips to the Willamette Valley will be the foundation for amazing events such as speaker forums, wines dinners and tasting events. The event I am most excited about it when we get to announce the Centennial Wine to the membership.