Uncorking Park City: How one sommelier brought wine culture to Utah’s ski country

Pam Wood of Park City Wine Club. Photo: Deb Dekoff

In the heart of Utah’s ski country, an unexpected oasis for wine enthusiasts has taken root. The Park City Wine Club, founded by Pamela Wood in August 2012, has become a beacon for both novices and aficionados in a state not typically associated with viniculture.

Wood, a California native turned Utah transplant, brings a wealth of expertise to her role. With certifications as a wine educator, sommelier, and American Wine Expert, her journey through the world of wine is as complex and nuanced as the vintages she cherishes.

“One of my first experiences, after moving to Utah, was trying to find a bottle of wine in the grocery store to go with dinner when I realized that doesn’t happen in Utah,” Wood reminisced.

This culture shock sparked a passion that would lead Wood on an educational odyssey. From earning her Certified Sommelier title in 2011 to becoming one of only 454 Certified Wine Educators globally in 2018, Wood’s credentials are as impressive as they are rare.

The Park City Wine Club emerged from Wood’s desire to share her knowledge and love for wine with her adopted community. The club hosts events featuring wines from around the world, often paired with local culinary delights. Each gathering offers at least five tastings, accompanied by Wood’s expert insights.

“Being a wine educator is about learning how to read your audience and relate wine to the people,” Wood explained. “Putting [wine] on a level that is ‘understandable’ is really the best compliment that I continue to get.”

Wood’s influence extends beyond the club. She serves as the state educator for the Utah Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control and has been a professor with the Fox School of Wine since 2011. Her role as Director of Education with the Culinary Wine Institute further cements her status as a leading figure in wine education.

Under Wood’s guidance, the Park City Wine Club has blossomed into a vibrant community. Members gather not just to taste, but to learn about the art and science behind each bottle. Wood delights in unraveling the stories behind the wines, from the terroir to the production process.

“I get inspired by the season when choosing the wines for the events,” Wood shared. “I want to showcase different options so people can expand their wine base and knowledge and try something new.”

In a state where alcohol laws can be complex, the Park City Wine Club offers a unique opportunity for wine exploration. For $30 individual or $55 household memberships, enthusiasts can embark on a journey through the world of wine, guided by Wood’s expertise. A portion of membership fees benefits Nuzzle & Co. Pet Adoption & Rescue.

As Park City’s wine scene continues to flourish, Wood and her club have cultivated an appreciation for the finer things in life – even in the most unlikely of places.