Heather Walker is a wine educator, hospitality professional, and passionate lifelong learner who brings over 20 years of experience to Johnson & Wales University. Her journey into wine began during a semester abroad in Limoges, France, while studying French and International Business at UNC Charlotte. After traveling through the Loire and Bordeaux regions, Heather returned to North Carolina and began a career in hospitality and food safety. Her wine interest continued to grow through travel and professional experiences, eventually leading her to earn advanced certifications including WSET Level 3 (Pass with Distinction) and Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW).Heather teaches WSET Levels 1 and 2 at JWU and supports Level 3 instruction, bringing real-world insight from her roles as a wine buyer, educator, and sales consultant for Winebow. She’s known for her approachable teaching style and her love of watching students experience the “aha” moment when learning truly clicks.
Her wine travels have taken her to Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Loire Valley, Provence, Napa, Sonoma, Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Mendoza in Argentina, and Chile’s Casablanca and Maipo Valleys. She encourages students to explore wine not just as a beverage, but as a sensory experience rooted in culture, geography, and craftsmanship.
Outside of wine, Heather enjoys stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), reading, and spending time outdoors with her husband and son. Her philosophy—“Stay curious”—guides both her teaching and her life. For students just beginning their wine journey, she offers this advice: Evaluating wine is not just taking a sip; it’s a sensory, step-by-step experience.
Whether you’re majoring in Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry Arts, Hospitality, Business, or Sports Management, Heather’s Foundations of Wine course will help you explore the world of wine with confidence, curiosity, and a sense of adventure.