Founder Keith Wallace leads a November 12 anniversary tasting featuring seven wineries with Philadelphia classroom roots.
November 4, 2026 (Philadelphia, PA) — The Wine School of Philadelphia is turning 25, and founder Keith Wallace is celebrating by opening bottles from some of the most accomplished winemakers and winery owners to come through its classrooms.
On Thursday, November 12, Wallace will personally teach “Great Wines. Philly Roots” featuring wines from seven wineries connected to the school’s alumni. The tasting spans Pennsylvania, Texas, California, and New Zealand, with possible guest appearances by several of the producers. The class is open to the public and the press.
“Running an independent wine school means our greatest assets are our alumni,” said Wallace. “We aren’t the reason these people are amazing. We’re just happy to have been the first step in the careers of so many great people.”
Among them is Daniel Brennan, who was working at his family’s McCrossen’s Tavern in Philadelphia when he enrolled at the school. After Brennan completed the Core Sommelier program, Wallace encouraged his interest in winemaking—with the advice that he would need to study chemistry. Brennan took that detour seriously. Today, he is the owner and winemaker of Decibel Wines in New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay.
Barbara Lecuona came to the school from Exton, Pennsylvania, with a successful corporate career and a love of wine. She completed the school’s Advanced Sommelier program, continued her winemaking education in Texas and Bordeaux, and co-founded Siboney Cellars in Texas Hill Country. There is another Philadelphia connection: she and her husband, Miguel, met at the Wine School.
The anniversary tasting will feature wines from:
- Andrew Yingst — Grace Winery, Pennsylvania.
- Amy Thorn — Thorn Hill Vineyards, California.
- Jenny Schultz — Jolie-Laide Wines, California.
- Matt Check — Cellar Beast Winehouse, Pennsylvania.
- Dan Whalen — Annadel Estate Winery, California.
- Daniel Brennan — Decibel Wines, New Zealand.
- Barbara Lecuona — Siboney Cellars, Texas.
Wallace will lead the intimate tasting in his trademark provocative style, sharing personal anecdotes alongside the wines. Guests will explore how the producers’ choices in the vineyard and cellar shape each bottle—and hear how people who once sat in a Philadelphia classroom found their way into the wine business.
Longtime students and first-time visitors are welcome. No previous wine education is required.
Event details
Great Wines. Philly Roots
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 7:30–9 p.m.
Wine School of Philadelphia
109 S. 22nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Tickets: $85
Tickets and information:
https://www.vinology.com/class/our-top-winemakers/
About the Wine School of Philadelphia
Founded in 2001 by winemaker, author, and educator Keith Wallace, the Wine School of Philadelphia offers public tasting classes and professional wine education in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse neighborhood. Its honors include two Best of Philly awards, including recognition for adult education, and the 2026 Philadelphia Inquirer Philly Favorites Silver award in the Trade School category.
