A Living History, A Renaissance Pursuit

Wine is not a fixed moment in time; it is an accumulation of geological and human history that brought terroir—climate, weather, tradition—into being. It is the living expression of a symbiotic collaboration with nature over time, and a thread that runs through the very fabric of Western civilization.

At Cellar Muse, we believe that to study wine is to engage with history, anthropology, religion, gastronomy, language, geology, and botany. It is to be a polymath—a Renaissance person—emulating a value system heralded by antiquity: to be curious, to investigate, and to experience the world in its fullness. Whether you are a professional seeking expertise or an enthusiast deepening your joy, this structured learning helps you truly connect with the wines you love.

Artisan, Farmer, Winemaker: The Story Around the Table

Wine culture does not exist in a vacuum. It develops alongside food traditions, agricultural rhythms, and human ingenuity. The artisan, the farmer, the winemaker, the chef, and the artist are all authors of the same story. To truly understand a wine of origin, we must involve ourselves in this bigger picture—not just of nature, but of culture.

This is why wine study with Cellar Muse is never just a series of isolated facts. It is a wholistic exploration of the nature and culture that create the wines that excite us. Whether in the classroom, walking the vineyard, or gathering around the table, every learning experience is immersive and integrated. We fix information into a full frame, placing the wine back into the context of the hands that made it and the table where it is shared.

Curiosity & The Fountain of Vitality

Curiosity about the world is not elitist. To be an amateur is to be a lover; to be an enthusiast it is to be inspired by the great mystery, to be a professional is to share that devotion openly through our work. When we explore the world by engaging both our minds and senses through wine and gastronomy, we become active participants in protecting and preserving these traditions. We join a global community that traces a continuous line throughout the arc of humanity.

The true joy is that those who pursue wine will never be bored. There will always be more to taste, more to learn, and new people to meet.

So, by inviting you to engage, am I promising you a fountain of meaningful vitality and connection?

…Well, yes!

In the spirit of shared fate, I can't wait to share this journey with you!

- Tanya Morning Star (The Cellar Muse)

Honoring Cultural Heritage

Equity & Inclusion

Cellar Muse recognizes the historic exclusion of BIPOC and women from the mainstream wine industry and the resulting economic and cultural impacts. We are actively working to change both the contemporary opportunities available to these communities, as well as how we understand and talk about the history of our industry.

Since 2018 Cellar Muse is proud to have awarded over a dozen scholarships for professional certification programs, and six scholarships for educational wine travel programs in France and Italy. Donations partners include: The Wine Scholar Guild, Banfi Wines, DeLille Winery, Upchurch Winery, Cellar Muse matching, and individual donors.

Sponsorship/Partnership Opportunities

Cellar Muse is dedicated to diversity in wine, and we are calling on our industry partners to join us in the effort!

Cellar Muse seeks sponsors for students who wish to further their education and reach their professional goals in the Pacific Northwest. Local importers, distributors, producers, restaurants, and retailers are encouraged to inquire.

Please email Tanya to begin your investment in a more diverse, inclusive wine industry in our region.