08. Empowering Future Winemakers: Sensory Training and Classroom Lessons from Dr. Hildegarde Heymann

Meet today's guest, Dr. Hildegarde Heymann, a trailblazing sensory scientist and Distinguished Professor at UC Davis.Dr. Heymann shares her unique journey from growing up with wine in South Africa, breaking gender barriers as the first woman to earn an enology degree at Stellenbosch University, to her discovery of sensory science at UC Davis, with Dr. RoseMarie Pangborn.She discusses her two-step approach to teaching wine tasting—building trust first, then layering in complexity—and offers insights on how to foster confidence in new tasters.The conversation explores the challenges of integrating sensory science into the wine industry, the value of understanding individual sensory strengths and blind spots, the nuances of food and wine pairing, and offers practical advice for wine professionals seeking to develop better sensory practices. If you’d like to access any of the links mentioned in this episode or connect with me, you can see everything in the show notes.I’d love to hear from you if you’ve enjoyed this episode. Feel free to contact me here to share your thoughts or ask a question. À bientôt!Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

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Ready to rethink how you connect with today’s wine lovers? We Taste Wine Differently is the podcast for wine professionals eager to challenge the status quo and create truly unforgettable, people-centric wine experiences.Join host Dr. Isabelle Lesschaeve, a sensory and consumer science expert with over 30 years dedicated to understanding wine perceptions. This podcast serves as a bridge between cutting-edge sensory science and the practical needs of the wine industry.Aired every Wednesday, we deliver actionable, science-backed strategies through a mix of insightful solo episodes, expert interviews, and real-life case studies. Discover how sensory perception and consumer psychology shape preferences, and learn how to leverage this knowledge to guide your portfolio, enhance engagement, and build lasting customer relationships.Whether you're leading a winery, managing a tasting room, or shaping wine hospitality, you'll find practical insights you can implement immediately.Subscribe to We Taste Wine Differently and start transforming your consumers’ wine experience today!