About Wine Down Events

With a profound love for wine and a deep appreciation for its rich history and cultural significance, I am dedicated to sharing the captivating story of wine with others. From its roots in nature to its expression of human creativity and vision, wine encompasses memories, family, friendship, and celebration. Each sip is a journey from vine to wine, a story waiting to be told and experienced.

I spent almost 2 decades in the fitness industry, including having owned my own studio for several of those years. Helping people thrive had always been a passion of mine, and guiding people to live a healthy, strong life allowed me to fulfill that passion. On September 5, 2010, a stunningly beautiful day, I threw my best friend a birthday celebration at a beautiful lake house on Lake Lashaway in East Brookfield. That day would forever change my life, as I survived the unthinkable: a broken neck in a diving accident. After a miraculous recovery that stunned all of my doctors, I took some time and did some deep soul searching and decided to leave the fitness industry and find a new passion, one that would never for a single moment feel like "work," but instead a pleasure. Whether I found wine or wine found me, a new passion was born and a new business created in the spring of 2014.

In my leisure time, you'll often find me exploring vineyards and wineries, attending wine shows, expos, and tastings across the globe. Wine is not just my profession; it's my lifelong passion and hobby. The more I learn about wine, the more I fall in love with its complexities and nuances.
 

I hold  a range of esteemed certifications, including  the CSW (Certified Specialist of Wine) with Society of Wine Educators, WSET Level 3 Advanced certificate with the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, French Wine Scholar (FWS) with the Wine Scholar Guild.  Additionally, I am certified as an educator with the Boston Wine School (BWSEd) and earned the title of Sommelier with the CMS in 2015. As a wine judge for the Big E Northeast Gold Wine Competition, I have the privilege of evaluating and appreciating exceptional wines from around New England and New York. 

Throughout my career in the wine industry, I've held various roles, each of which I've approached with genuine passion and dedication. Currently, I serve as the owner of Wine Down Events, offering personalized Wine Educator/Sommelier services for private events, corporate gatherings, wineries, and restaurants in New England. Collaborating closely with local wineries, I strive to showcase the region's diverse and exceptional wine offerings.

Past roles include the Sommelier, EVP of Product Development, and Tasting Room Manager  at Sail To Trail Wineworks in Worcester, MA, Wine Director at Highland Wine and Spirits in Berlin, MA, Director of Wine Education for VINOvations, Wine Educator at Boston Wine School, Director of Sommology at Phoenix Vintners, LLC., Wine Educator and Consultant with The Tasting Company and with Flow Wine Group. My experience also extends to wine writing, having contributed as a wine columnist for the South Shore Senior News.

My mission is to demystify the often intimidating world of wine and bring enjoyment to others through education, entertainment, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're seeking to elevate your fine dining establishment with wine dinners, spice up a corporate event with wine tastings, or enhance your restaurant's wine program and staff training, I am committed to accommodating your wine needs with passion, expertise, and personalized service. Let's embark on a journey of discovery and celebration together. In vino veritas.

~ Missa Capozzo