We were lucky to catch up with Warner Boin recently and have shared our conversation below.
Warner, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?
The kindest thing anyone has ever done for me happened when I was pursuing my sommelier certification—a path that demanded not only rigorous study but also guidance from those who had walked it before.
The problem was, I didn’t have that kind of guidance readily available. There were only a few people I knew of in my immediate circle who had taken the exam, and I knew I needed mentorship to truly understand the nuances of the test and successfully pass.
So, I leaned into the skill that has propelled my career further than anything else: vulnerability. I reached out to several Sommeliers at fine dining establishments nearby, introducing myself, explaining my journey, and humbly asking for just 30 minutes of their time to share insights and advice. I was honest—I needed help, and I didn’t have it.
That’s when I connected with Chris, the Executive Wine Director of SingleThread, a Three Michelin Star restaurant and his partner, Morgan, a Master Sommelier candidate and winery sales director. I had only been hoping for a short conversation, maybe a few words of encouragement or study tips. What I received in return was something far greater—the most generous, selfless gift of mentorship I have ever experienced.
Despite their demanding schedules, Chris and Morgan didn’t just offer me quick advice. Instead, they went above and beyond, creating multiple mock exams, leading blind tastings, and reviewing every question in painstaking detail. They didn’t just tell me what to study—they taught me how to think and analyze, incredibly useful blind tasting skills, and how to carry myself with confidence in a room of experts.
I remember feeling overwhelmed—not just by the difficulty of the exam but by the sheer generosity of their time and energy. When I asked how I could repay them, they simply denied my offer. Chris specifically said that he and Morgan wouldn’t be where they were today in their careers if it weren’t for the mentors who had come before them. The way I could repay them would be to pass the torch on to someone else.
That philosophy stuck with me. Their kindness wasn’t just about helping me pass an exam; it was about the power of mentorship, the responsibility to share knowledge, and the idea that lifting others up strengthens the entire community.
In the end, I was one of just 11 candidates to pass the Certified Sommelier exam on my first try. I owe so much of my success today to Chris and Morgan—not just for the technical knowledge they shared, but for the confidence and sense of belonging they instilled in me. Their generosity shaped the way I approach my career, and to this day, I enthusiastically take as many opportunities as I can to mentor others on their own wine journeys.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Warner is a Certified Sommelier and the founder of Confidence Uncorked, specializing in wine education and marketing consulting. A native Texan who now calls Sonoma County, CA home, her passion lies in making wine fun and accessible for all. She rejects the notion that appreciation for wine requires extensive knowledge or deep pockets, and aims to break down the elitist barriers that surround the industry.
Her background and experiences span the wine industry, including marketing, sales, viticulture, and hospitality. Follow along @ConfidenceUncorked on social media for wine/winery recommendations, fun educational content, and a behind the scenes look on the fascinating world of wine.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Authenticity – create content that feels authentic to you and the rest will follow. I promise. It’s so much harder to try and be someone else or copy what someone else is doing. Being unique and creative is what will help you stand out.
Consistency – be willing to show up even when you’re not getting the views you hope for.
Always be thinking of the value you provide to others. Are you educating them? Entertaining them? Why should they spend their precious time to watch your video.
Build community! Respond to your messages and comments and take time to show up for the people who are showing up for you. It will help you grow, personally and professionally.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Being different and owning it. The sommelier community is notorious for being upscale, exclusive, and a little pretentious if we’re being honest. These are all notions I reject and have never aligned with. When it comes to wine, I think it should be accessible and affordable to all, and without judgement. Once I was willing to proudly accept I had different views, own them and share them with the world, I was able to find likeminded people and inspire/connect with so many people who were seeking someone with my level of knowledge and welcoming approach to wine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.ConfidenceUncorked.com
- Instagram: @ConfidenceUncorked
- Other: TikTok: @ConfidenceUncorked
Image Credits
Warner Boin