About

What Is The Wine Culture Project?

John Kafarski - WCP Director

The best wines in the world speak of their sense of place.  What does that mean? It’s simple – wines should speak with voices from the place where they were produced.

What I don’t believe in is bullshit dogma, wines that are made in factories, restriction of choice for the consumer or anything else that commodifies wine.  I focus on educating and inspiring those around me to choose wines that are based less on scores and more on what gives them their sense of place.  A sense of place is the result of soil, weather, the vine and the winemaker all working together in harmony to produce a bottle of wine that is unmistakable in its origin.  Most wines out there don’t qualify, but the ones that do are nothing short of inspiring.

I am Certified Wine Educator through the Society of Wine Educators as well as a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers.  I am currently studying for the Advanced Sommelier Exam with the Court.  What the hell does that mean?   It means that I enjoy working my ass off to bring great wine to your table.  And it also means that I know far too much about vineyard soil content for my own good.

I once appeared on the FOX Business Network, but didn’t think to wear my Rupert (from Family Guy) T-Shirt during my appearance.  I have taught wine classes at some of the best restaurants in New Jersey, including Alice’s Restaurant in Lake Hopatcong. The Jersey Girl Cafe in Hamilton and Uproot Restaurant in Warren, New Jersey.
-John