Noël's goal is to promote diversity and inclusion in wine, food, and travel with a focus on the places, the products, and most importantly, the people!
ABOUT ME
Noel Burgess' love for travel and learning about wine, spirits and culinary excellence led him to pivot his career from working for corporate brands in Human Resources and DEI strategy to traveling the US and abroad meeting the people and places that make each destination a unique experience in discovery. It quickly became apparent that the consumer spaces of travel, wine and spirits seriously lacked diverse representation and Noel quickly made it his goal to show that everyone belongs in the spaces of wine/sprits, dining and bespoke travel destinations. As one of the few black influencers and dedicated journalists in these spaces, Noel presents his audience with a first hand account of his journey discovering the best cities have to offer from Sonoma County vineyards to New York City streets; from oceanside Mexican resorts to the deserts of the Middle East; and everything in between all the while sharing the joy of foreign cultures, leading black-owned businesses and how to dip your toe into the high life.
WHAT STORY ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF WRITING OR WORKING ON?
I started writing professionally in 2021 with my first article on Trini Amador from Gracianna Winery. I was told Q&A's are a great intro for new writers but eventually I will want to write ``bigger`` stories. Two years later I still enjoy them the most as I get to learn more about the person rather than just about their brand or business. So, to answer the question directly the story I enjoy the most is all my Q&A articles!
DID YOU REALLY START YOUR INSTAGRAM IN 2020?
Yes! March of 2020 during the pandemic as a way to stay connected. Sonoma/Napa Wine Country was still offering outdoor tastings and I don't get ``California Cold`` so I was fortunate to visit some of the best wineries in the world and chat with vintners, winemakers, tasting room managers, and wine lovers.
Video Gallery_
Noël has also hosted a number of video walking tours, such as those linked here on this page.
