Ever since my first professional contacts and experiences, I have wished to visit in order or to better know other wine-producing areas around the world, and this has led to periodic work in California, New Zealand, and Argentina. Places which have enriched my professional knowledge and cultural awareness. In addition, I am frequently invited to act as a judge in oenological competitions such as the Japan Wine Challenge, Vinoandino, the Michelangelo Wine Competition, the Finger Lakes Wine Competition, and the London International Wine Challenge. Events which have enabled me both to discuss and debate with other judges and tasters and to taste wines from all of the major wine-producing countries.
I have followed courses at the University of Bordeaux which have supplemented my earlier education through direct contact and learning experiences with the major French minds in the field, particularly as far as technical questions and tasting is concerned