About this blog
Meg & Merlot focuses on accessible and affordable, yet unique and terroir-driven wines. I share wine gems from both emerging wine regions and overlooked pockets of popular regions. I believe that you can drink well on any budget if you know where to look. And that’s why I’m here: to point you in the right direction. If you’re a curious and cost-conscious wine lover looking for even more recommendations, follow me on Instagram where I post most frequently.
About me
I’m Meg Herring, a Pittsburgh-based wine enthusiast and writer. I’m also a French Wine Scholar, a WSET 3 certificate holder, a contributor to The Vintner Project, a frequent traveler, an experienced marketing leader, and a cat mom to Plato.
FAQ
Q: Are you originally from Pittsburgh?
A: No, I grew up in a very small town in Northeastern Pennsylvania called Freeland. (My cat Plato is also from the Hazleton area.) I then lived in Washington, D.C. for 11 years before moving to Pittsburgh in 2016. My job is still based in D.C.
Q: Why Merlot?
A: I explain my blog’s name in this post.
Q: Is blogging your full-time job?
A: No, I’m a marketing director at a healthcare start-up. You can learn more about my career on LinkedIn.
Q: How did you get into wine?
A: After I moved to Pittsburgh I started reading more about wine. I discovered that a wine school here offers courses from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) and so I signed up. A few months later after a trip to Champagne I launched my blog and social media accounts.
Q: Are you a sommelier?
A: Nope! Sommeliers are stewards of wine, i.e. they serve wine and educate customers at restaurants, wineries, etc. Many sommeliers receive certifications through the Court of Master Sommeliers. Sommelier certifications include service; education-focused certifications do not include service. All types of certifications test knowledge and, at higher levels, blind tasting ability.
Q: What’s your favorite wine region?
A: To drink: Champagne, Bordeaux, Barolo, and the Finger Lakes. To visit: Check out my Travels.
Q: What’s your favorite wine grape?
A: White grapes: Riesling, Chardonnay, and Chenin Blanc. Red grapes: Gamay, Merlot, Nebbiolo, and Pinot Noir.