Kenn Pogash has the type of diverse background that offer a unique perspective for wine consumers and wine producers:

Business

• Product Development
• Project Management
• System Design
• Third Party Relationship Development and Management
• Business Development
• Sales
• Marketing
• Website design and management

Clinical Social Work

• Program Development
• Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment for Adolescents and their Families)
• Work/Life Coordination

In each of the above environments Kenn sought opportunities to teach, advocate, and entertain. Kenn absolutely loves to be in front of and interact with the people. This can be an audience of 1 or 1000. He does not represent himself as an "expert" but as a “facilitator” to allow his audience relax and feel comfortable enough to share their thoughts and ideas. He makes it clear that, "We must accept the reality that we will never know it all – and everyone is in the same situation...Even the so-called “Experts”.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Management & Marketing
• Master in Social Work
• Advanced Certificate Level and Accreditation from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET)

He has spoken at a diverse group of professional groups such as:

• The Administrative Management Society
• Distribution/Computer Exposition
• National Business Forms Association
• Infant & Toddler Educators Conference
• IBM
• among other community and professional groups and organizations

He resides in the State of New Jersey, USA

Kenn's interest in wine began more than 25 years ago when he read about French “jug wines” and their place in everyday life in France.

That week he was thinking about his date for the coming Sunday afternoon and realized that he would create a "Sunday Afternoon in the French Countryside".

He went to a wine store across the street from his apartment on 36th Street and 3rd Avenue in New York City, and purchased a large bottle of white wine, a “jug” from France. The bottle was an unusual octagon shape.

He picked up his date bearing a blanket, food, and the sophisticated bottle of French Jug Wine and they traveled to Central Park, where they found a romantic spot reminiscent, Kenn thought, of the French countryside. They were enjoying the slower and relaxed lifestyle of a warm summer breeze, the scent of wild grasses, a loaf of “French bread” and an assortment of “European” hors d'œuvres and sweet cakes. During the afternoon Kenn subtly told his date about the background of the wine and hoped she would be appropriately impressed with his savoir faire.

Since that time Kenn has read extensively about wine, attended numerous education courses, and awarded the Advanced Level Certificate from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust for product knowledge in the field of wines and spirits. Holders of this certificate are able to interpret the labels of the major alcoholic beverages of the world, give guidance on appropriate selection and service, as well as knowing the principles of wine tasting and evaluation.

During the past years working in local wine shops Kenn perceives that customers "really want to know more about wine but either do not have the time to attend classes or too embarrassed, to ask” so Kenn began his "74 second" wine education program for customers. This may include reasons for selecting specific wines or a little historical anecdote about the wine. The information might be about history, culture, the arts, or the people who made the wine. Any information that might enhance the customer's enjoyment of the wine. (return to top)

Regarding the concept of "Drink Responsibly"...

Kenn obtained his Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University and his professional training and clinical experience was in Alcohol Studies and working with families, adults, and teenagers suffering from alcohol and substance abuse. It is from his professional experience that he knows that alcohol consumption is not wonderful nor healthy for everyone.