David LeClaire 

David LeClaire, a certified sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers, creates a wide variety of exclusive, unique wine events for either small groups or large events. These intimate functions are held in private homes, restaurants, hotels, yachts, or other venues to fit your specific needs and interests. David is the founder and President of "Best of the West," a series of trade show wine events held throughout the U.S. which feature selections from many of the best wineries of California, Washington and Oregon. David served as wine director at Seattle's prestigious Alexis Hotel & Library Bistro (formerly the Painted Table Restaurant) where he was employed for ten years. He is an instructor at North Seattle Community College and often serves as a worldwide "ambassador" for Washington state wineries. David is a free-lance writer for Wine Squire & NW Stir websites. His approach is casual yet professional, and is known for keeping the event fun and entertaining with a touch a class.

David’s class, Wine Basics, covers the fundamentals of understanding and enjoying wine. Topics include buying wine, storing wine, pairing wine with food, learning the basic varietals and styles of wines, learning what makes wine exceptional as well as flawed. David’s class is approachable with real-world information and is entertaining and delicious as he pours a variety of wines in class.