Welcome to Tim Talks Wine

Wine, explained like a friend
not a textbook.

Think of this as a glass of wine with a knowledgeable friend — no jargon, no judgment, just the good stuff. WSET Level 3 certified, Oregon raised, Chicago based.

The Wine Library

Start Exploring

Whether you're staring at a wine list or planning your next tasting trip, start here.

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Grape Varietals

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Tempranillo and more — what they taste like, where they grow, and why they matter. Without the jargon.

Browse all grapes →
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Wine Regions

From Burgundy to the Willamette Valley — a plain-language guide to the world's most important wine regions.

Explore regions →
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Take a Class

45-minute virtual sessions. Bring a glass. No prior knowledge required — just curiosity. Small groups, casual format, good conversation.

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Education

Upcoming Classes

Small, casual, 45-minute virtual sessions. Grab a bottle and join in.

Beginner Friendly
Introduction to Willamette Valley Wines
45 minutes · Virtual · Bring a Willamette Pinot

Geography, history, grapes, and what makes Oregon wine special. The definitive starter class for anyone curious about the Pacific Northwest's most celebrated wine region.

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History & Wine
Wine & War — France in WWI & WWII
45 minutes · Virtual · Any French wine welcome

How French winemakers hid their best bottles behind false walls, outsmarted occupying forces, and kept the wine world alive through two devastating wars.

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History & Craft · All Levels
Pop the Cork: Understanding Champagne
45 minutes · Virtual · No bottle required

Dom Pérignon was trying to get rid of the bubbles. The sweetness story. The méthode champenoise. Grower Champagnes. And why you should stop saving it for special occasions.

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Custom · Any Level
Build Your Own Class with Tim
45 minutes · Virtual · Tailored to you

A topic you've always wanted to explore. A region you're traveling to. A grape you can't stop drinking. Tim will build a class around whatever your wine curiosity is.

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About Tim

Hi, I'm Tim.

I grew up in Oregon's Willamette Valley without ever really drinking the wine, spent years working with nonprofits in Chicago where the house pour was whatever showed up in the donation box — and meanwhile fell genuinely in love with wine through travel, friends, and tasting trips that took me to five continents. That love eventually led me to the WSET program, where I passed the Level 3 blind tasting with Merit while unknowingly having COVID-19.

Read my full story →
50+
Countries with a glass in hand
20+
Years loving wine
More to taste