Patrick Dodd, Judge, Consultant /Sommelier

Pat is a native of the state of Illinois, but moved to California in 1985 to work for the E. & J. Gallo Winery after earning a degree in political science and business from the University of Notre Dame.  On June 30th, 2020—the date of his 35th anniversary—after a career spanning stints in Sales, Luxury Marketing, Trade Hospitality, Shareholder Relations, and Wine and Spirits Education; Pat retired from Gallo and launched a boutique Wine/Spirits Industry consulting company under his alter ego, “The Wine Dodd”.  His true passion continues to be Eno/Gastro Tourism and on-location “Edutainment” of people—from novices to experts—in the creation and enjoyment of wine and spirits products of every origin, type, and price point.

For the past 37 years, Pat has extensively studied the science and art of wine and spirits making in wineries, distilleries, and vineyards around the world; and at the University of California at Davis School of Viticulture and Enology.  In 2001, he applied for and was accepted as a candidate for the Institute of Masters of Wine credential program (MW).  In 2002, Pat tested for and passed both the Society of Wine Educator’s (SWE) prestigious Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) and Certified Wine Educator (CWE) exams, becoming one of fewer than 250 CWE’s worldwide. In 2009, Pat passed the SWE’s Certified Specialist in Spirits (CSS) exam; and in 2010 he passed the Court of Master Sommeliers’ Certified Sommelier (CS) exam.