Enthusing guests, clients, and students about the world of wine!

About SommDee

SommDee: A sommelier with passion and character named Denise.

Hospitality obsessed. Wine lover. Education enthusiast.

These qualities all point to one direction: Denise loves to entertain and to offer kind, approachable education along the way! This ethos has led her to be a sought after sommelier, beverage director, event planner, public speaker, and hospitality consultant. Through it all, she and 3 colleagues launched the PreSomm Wine Course in 2013, where Denise became a lead educator in the Midwest in the midst of a 20-year career in beverage program management and restaurant management. In 2018, she trademarked the PreSomm brand, published the text books, and digitized its education platforms. This pivot allows Denise to offer her course in a myriad of ways for custom classes and downloadable PDFs for bite size chapters of her larger wine course!

Denise currently resides in Saint Louis, Missouri, offering her PreSomm Wine Course each Fall with her fiancé Eric, and managing a wine bar group across the metro area.

Testimonials

  • Members of the St Louis AWS Chapter have been fortunate to experience the “Love of Wine”, Denise style. A tasting led by Denise feels like a getaway to your favorite winery, or to your next new favorite wine region. Denise has an exceptional ability to convey her knowledge in a package that is both digestible and delightful. If you are just beginning, or well along in your pursuit of wine knowledge, your journey will be much more productive and fun with Denise as your guide.

    The American Wine Society is a nationwide organization of wine enthusiasts, with a focus on wine education and enjoyment.

  • Denise Mueller has presented to our American Wine Society group several times and she has impressed us with her expertise, insights, resource materials, professionalism, and her ability to engage her audience with memorable information. She is always organized and prepared to improve our understanding of, and appreciation for, the characteristics of various wines. Denise is a delightful Somm and I enthusiastically endorse her abilities.

  • I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Denise Mueller since 2020, when she was inducted as a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier St Louis.  From the get go, Denise became an involved and dedicated member of our group.  With strengths in Communications and Social Media, she has helped to elevate our chapter’s profile in both areas, and continues to “streamline” the process to enhance our visibility.  What is most impressive about Denise is her curiosity and desire to “do the right thing” for the chapter – never hesitating to ask relevant questions about LDEI’s core values  and protocol– and then getting the job done in a creative way.  She is passionate about whatever initiative she takes on, be it on a fundraiser or as a committee chair, both in her personal and professional lives. Her dedication to the growth of her sommelier services/education has truly been impressive.  Denise engages with a lot of spirit, all while being fun, and having fun while doing so! 

Featured Products

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What is the

PreSomm Wine Course?

The PreSomm Course Book is an 9-section book full of wine theory data, beautiful infographics, recommended study topics, links to quiz questions and exam questions, and links to online flash cards! We also have recommended wines to purchase for each section - to further enhance your regional knowledge.

The PreSomm Maps & Graphics Book is designed for wine students, having just enough detail but no unnecessary content, creating a streamlined learning experience. The Maps & Graphics Book being separate from the Course Book allows the students/readers to fully enjoy their PreSomm experience without needing to flip back and forth.

The PreSomm Wine Course provides its students with a higher level of wine theory and wine service, prepares them for job promotions in the hospitality field, and inspires future education certifications such as Introductory-level Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers or Certified Specialist of Wine through Society of Wine Educators.

Explore what we offer

Contact us for all inquiries. Each experience is unique and curated for you!

Wine Class with Wine Flights

$650+ ($65+ per person, 10 person minimum)

Explore the world of wine with a guided tour with Denise as she takes you on a comparative journey of the Old World versus New World. Guests will enjoy two wine flights and learning wine basics along the way! These experiences are meant to be interactive, fun, and most of all: leave you with some fun new wine facts!

These classes are served with light snacks to create a “happy hour” environment, and can be ninety minutes to two hours.

Glassware, wine, food, gratuity, and a customized takeaway for your guests are included in the price.

Custom One Day Wine Course

$1000+ for Group

Does your company need additional education on one wine region? Do you want a truly unique client experience? Denise’s 2.5 hour seminars take a deep dive on a plethora of topics that can be curated to your needs. With over 12 years experience of teaching the PreSomm Wine Course as well as hosting several 1-day classes for companies, organizations, and restaurants groups; we’ve got you covered! Inquire for offerings, pricing, and availability.

Fundamental Courses: Old World vs. New World, How to Open Wine Bottles and Wine Service, Intro to Blind Tasting, How to Order Wine at Restaurants with Wine 101

PreSomm Capsule Courses: Viticulture & Viniculture, France, Italy, Germany & Eastern Europe, Spain & Portugal, United States, South American, Australia & New Zealand.

Bespoke Topics are also available upon inquiry. We are here to curate your perfect class!

Custom Tasting Events for up to 50

Large Event, inquire for pricing

Have an idea to get your friends or clients motivated, enthused, and entertained, all while enjoying some epic wines? Enjoy one of our custom “tasting bar” events! You have the venue, we bring the wines, the delightful education and the party! Brunch timeline? Let’s host a bubbles bar where we taste a world of sparkling wines or a lineup of Champagnes! Need to entertain an hour before a dinner? How about a fan favorite Pinot Noir party! The possibilities are endless, and we are great behind a bar!

Contact Us

Interested in working together? Tell us more about yourself below and how we can help. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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