Wine services
We can help you accumulate the wines you like and do so efficiently while ensuring the highest quality in the marketplace. If you don't know what you like, but are willing to spare the time, Ralph will come to you, prepare a tasting menu of food and wine that introduces you to some of the options that are available, and help you determine what you enjoy and what you don't enjoy in fine wine. That, in turn, will enable you to assemble a collection of wine that will provide you with a lifetime of enjoyment in the cellar. We will also assist you in event planning, wine dinners and wine region travel, personal chef services, selling of rare wines as well as wine cellar design and build out from my network of valuable resources.
Food and wine should, above all, be about enjoyment, not ratings, competition and trophies. If you share my love of wine, I would be honored to help you take your collecting and enjoyment of fine wine to a new level. For more information on all of our services e-mail Ralph at ralph@ralphshwm.com or stop by the store.
“World-class sommelier Ralph Hersom does all the work for you.”
We offer:
APPRAISALS
Why have my wine collection appraised? The most obvious reason is for insurance purposes. If you are taking out a new policy, it is important that you have an accurate valuation of your cellar in the evident of damage or theft. Additionally, you may consider assessing the value of your cellar for estate planning, charitable donation(s) or if you need to raise capital, you will know what worth your cellar will provide you.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO HAVE MY COLLECTION APPRAISED?
Two options: You can send me an Excel spread sheet that lists each bottle in your collection along with a brief description of the bottles’ condition or, if you do not have an inventory sheet already created and feel that this is not something you want to undertake, I can come to you.
WHAT IS THE COST?
The cost for appraisal is $5.00 per label. Per label does not necessarily mean per bottle as for example, if you have 10 bottles with the same label it will cost you $5.00 but if you have 10 different labels, it will cost $50.
WHAT IF I WANT TO SELL MY WINE AND YOU’VE MADE THE APPRAISAL?
As a courtesy, we will deduct the cost of the appraisal from the sale.
WINE CELLAR CONSULTATION
Looking to fill your cellar? Interested in selling wines that no longer appeal to your palate? With over 20 years in the wine business Ralph can handle all your cellar needs!
WINE CELLAR DESIGN
Ready to build your dream cellar? Ralph has a vast network of valuable resources to see your dream come true and am happy to oversee all phases of design and development as well as helping you fill it with the perfect wines suited for you!
For more information e-mail Ralph at ralph@ralphshwm.com.
WINE REGION TRAVEL
Ready to explore the world of wine and food? Allow me to custom design a trip that suits you! From Fall Truffle harvests in Piedmont, grape harvest in Napa Valley and Bubbles in Champagne I have designed food and wine trips for many clients over the years. For those who truly want the greatest experience I will also accompany you on the trip for memories that will last a lifetime!
WINE EDUCATION PROGRAM
Ralph has facilitated tastings and classes for hundreds of students through private events and for corporate clients. Let him customize a class for your group, or choose from one of the following topics offered:
• Wine & Cheese Pairing
• Perfecting the Perfect Pasta
• Pinot Noir: Foods Best (red) Wine Friend
• Wines of Piedmont
• Spanish Wines & Tapas
• Bubbles & Bites
• Blue Chips of Cabernet
• Wines of Tuscany
• Wines for Thanksgiving
• Bastille Day Wine Celebration
• Wines for Summer Grilling
• Everything is Coming up Rose
• Wines of Bordeaux
• Sommelier Says! Special Collection
• California Dreaming
• Everything You Wanted to Know About Wine (but were too afraid to ask!)
PRIVATE EVENTS
Looking to host a private wine event in your home or meeting space? Your personal sommelier, Ralph Hersom, can work with you to design the perfect event.
Wine Dinners
In Home Wine Tastings
In Home Wine Classes
…and more!