Atlantic Business – The Water Cooler: Drink It In

St. John’s entrepreneur opens wine school for the masses

Tracey Dobbin insists people are trading in their beer mugs for wine glasses.

She may be right. Statistics from California-based Wine Institute show global wine consumption grew by 3.3 per cent from 2008 to 2011. That’s provided a business opportunity for the St. John’s native, who opened Autour du Vin this spring. Dobbin’s business is both a wine school and an agency specializing in wine tourism. But it isn’t based solely in Atlantic Canada; the head office is in one of the wine-making capitals of the world, Bordeaux, France.

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Testimonials

  • Tracey is an excellent instructor. Not only is she highly knowledgeable, but her passion and enthusiasm for wine manifests itself in her teaching style. Her classes are fun, engaging and bring the subject matter to life. Tracey's courses provide students…

    Genevieve R.
    - USA

  • Sitting in Switzerland by lake Geneva and sipping some local gamay, swirling and checking out red fruits and acidity :)) omg your class was soooo interesting and I am so impressed how knowledgeable you are! And inspiring!! You have a…

    Helga Natas
    Sovex Grands Chateaux - Export Manager -

  • Tastings guided by Tracey Dobbin, are always a complete experience. With deep and detailed information of the theme in matter, great wine selection chosen carefully to give a full vision of the theme, and caring so much about the satisfaction…

    Priscila Frausto Torres
    Project Manager Vinos y Vinos - Monterrey, Mexico

  • Tracey is the best teacher I have ever had. She is amazingly patient and she refuses to let go before she has found the proper way to explain to me the things I don't understand, using different metaphors, approaches and…

    Benedicte Helvershou
    Product Manager - Norway

  • As a student of Autour du Vin I wouldn't hesitate to recommend classes to anyone, whether it be someone in the trade or an enthusiast looking to learn more. Tracey has a way of using her personal experience and knowledge that not only makes the…

    Karen Nause
    - Halifax, Canada

  • Tracey is a passionate and knowledgeable teacher who does her uttermost to make sure everyone is involved and understands what she is talking about. Her extensive knowledge about wine makes her a trustable teacher

    Isabella Ankarberg
    Assistant Product Manager - Sweden

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