The Vino U. Mission
Photo Gallery
Video Promo & YouTube Channel
About Vino U. Entertainment Events
Client Testimonials
Photo Gallery
Video Promo & YouTube Channel
About Vino U. Entertainment Events
Client Testimonials
The Vino U. Mission
To deliver entertaining, engaging and memorable gatherings for Client Appreciation Events, Conference Entertainment and Team-Building Workshops. These unique events will utilize the sensory experience of tasting wine for all to share in an interactive experience that captivates guests, adds value for clients, and builds bridges between attendees in a refreshingly fun, enlightening, and indelible way — all from 'The Wine Professor', James Dunne, who brings decades of unrivaled expertise in creating and delivering customized experiences for corporate and group entertainment events.
The Vino U.™ Formula for an Unforgettable Experience:
Sip + Savor + Smile = Santé!
The Vino U.™ Formula for an Unforgettable Experience:
Sip + Savor + Smile = Santé!
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"As usual, you crushed it. The feedback from all who attended has been nothing short of spectacular.
In a world where nothing is guaranteed, you are a sure thing!"
R.G. / Senior V.P. - Divisional Manager / Fidelity Institutional Asset Management, Smithfield, RI
In a world where nothing is guaranteed, you are a sure thing!"
R.G. / Senior V.P. - Divisional Manager / Fidelity Institutional Asset Management, Smithfield, RI
About Vino U. Entertainment Events
"Then, I sat back to listen to Dunne discourse learnedly, and entertainingly, about his favorite subject ..."
Jerry Zezima / Columnist / LA Times-Washington Post News Service
Jerry Zezima / Columnist / LA Times-Washington Post News Service
Vino U.™, presented by James Dunne, delivers fun and engaging client appreciation, conference entertainment, and team-building wine tasting events that you, your clients, guests and organization will never forget.
Client Appreciation Events
Create a WOW experience with a unique and memorable event that is the perfect opportunity for your organization to meaningfully engage with your clients and provide distinctive client appreciation and engagement experiences that are free of intimidation and an avenue for your associates to directly interact with your clients in an informal atmosphere to cultivate client satisfaction and loyalty to your brand.
Conference Entertainment Events
The uniqueness of the entertainment you showcase at corporate events can make or break the experience of your conference attendees. If the entertainment falls flat, your attendees will think your event was a waste of their time. Attendees will escape, unwind and be fascinated by what they experience at a Vino U.™ tasting event.
Team-Building Workshops
A dynamic team-building program to cultivate camaraderie that can be catered to your specific needs where James will not only engage your team, but will also impart best-practice principles of Sales and Service Excellence to train your salesforce and client ambassadors so that they are energized and provided with the tools, techniques, and solutions needed to effectuate increased sales and deliver outstanding customer-focused service that distinguishes your organization from competitors in your market … no matter what the industry you are in.
The Vino U.™ Formula for Unforgettable Fun
Sip + Savor + Smile = Santé!
Client Appreciation Events
Create a WOW experience with a unique and memorable event that is the perfect opportunity for your organization to meaningfully engage with your clients and provide distinctive client appreciation and engagement experiences that are free of intimidation and an avenue for your associates to directly interact with your clients in an informal atmosphere to cultivate client satisfaction and loyalty to your brand.
Conference Entertainment Events
The uniqueness of the entertainment you showcase at corporate events can make or break the experience of your conference attendees. If the entertainment falls flat, your attendees will think your event was a waste of their time. Attendees will escape, unwind and be fascinated by what they experience at a Vino U.™ tasting event.
Team-Building Workshops
A dynamic team-building program to cultivate camaraderie that can be catered to your specific needs where James will not only engage your team, but will also impart best-practice principles of Sales and Service Excellence to train your salesforce and client ambassadors so that they are energized and provided with the tools, techniques, and solutions needed to effectuate increased sales and deliver outstanding customer-focused service that distinguishes your organization from competitors in your market … no matter what the industry you are in.
The Vino U.™ Formula for Unforgettable Fun
Sip + Savor + Smile = Santé!
Vino U.™ features 'edutaining', captivating, and memorable tastings for client appreciation events, conference entertainment, group functions and team building ... all in a 'snob-free' zone! Vino U.™ uses the experience of tasting wine to build bridges between attendees and ensure a memorable event for all while they gain an understanding and comfort with wine (beer and spirits too), and have a great time with friends, colleagues and/or clients.
Vino U.™ is an unparalleled program that ensures an enlightening and entertaining adventure for all. The goal of Vino U.™ is to do whatever it takes to make tasting fun, enjoyable, enlightening and free of intimidation … all while breaking down barriers between team members, and engaging clients in a unique and memorable way, to cultivate and strengthen relationships!
James Dunne, your tasting guide, is an acclaimed beverage expert and university professor, with a specialty in wine education. He is an internationally published writer on libations, customer service excellence, entrepreneurship and business management.
Vino U.™ tasting programs are designed to demystify classic wine varietals and give attendees the knowledge and confidence to knowingly purchase and enjoy wine, all in a casual and inviting atmosphere that encourages interaction and fun amongst participants. You'll finally be able to 'hold your own' when entertaining clients or entertaining that special someone … whether at home or out to eat! Understand, appreciate, and enjoy wine alongside friends, clients and colleagues while you relax and savor a memorable, educational, interactive and fun-filled tasting workshop.
After experiencing Vino U.™ your team and/or clients will be able to ...
~ Distinguish between major grape varietals;
~ Identify and describe the major components when tasting wine: Aroma, Body, Color, Acid, Tannin, Sweetness, Oak, Fruit;
~ Understand how vintage and geography impact what you taste;
~ Pair wine and food;
~ Understand a wine list;
~ Decode a wine label;
~ Understand how to navigate a wine shop and make an informed purchase;
~ How to purchase 'right gift' or the 'right wine' for a special occasion;
... and much more.
* Programs can be customized for beer, various spirit categories, or particular wine regions (France, Italy, Spain, South America, California, etc.)
* Single event or multi-day tasting workshops spanning the world of beverages can be customized to your needs
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Vino U.™ is an unparalleled program that ensures an enlightening and entertaining adventure for all. The goal of Vino U.™ is to do whatever it takes to make tasting fun, enjoyable, enlightening and free of intimidation … all while breaking down barriers between team members, and engaging clients in a unique and memorable way, to cultivate and strengthen relationships!
James Dunne, your tasting guide, is an acclaimed beverage expert and university professor, with a specialty in wine education. He is an internationally published writer on libations, customer service excellence, entrepreneurship and business management.
Vino U.™ tasting programs are designed to demystify classic wine varietals and give attendees the knowledge and confidence to knowingly purchase and enjoy wine, all in a casual and inviting atmosphere that encourages interaction and fun amongst participants. You'll finally be able to 'hold your own' when entertaining clients or entertaining that special someone … whether at home or out to eat! Understand, appreciate, and enjoy wine alongside friends, clients and colleagues while you relax and savor a memorable, educational, interactive and fun-filled tasting workshop.
After experiencing Vino U.™ your team and/or clients will be able to ...
~ Distinguish between major grape varietals;
~ Identify and describe the major components when tasting wine: Aroma, Body, Color, Acid, Tannin, Sweetness, Oak, Fruit;
~ Understand how vintage and geography impact what you taste;
~ Pair wine and food;
~ Understand a wine list;
~ Decode a wine label;
~ Understand how to navigate a wine shop and make an informed purchase;
~ How to purchase 'right gift' or the 'right wine' for a special occasion;
... and much more.
* Programs can be customized for beer, various spirit categories, or particular wine regions (France, Italy, Spain, South America, California, etc.)
* Single event or multi-day tasting workshops spanning the world of beverages can be customized to your needs
Back to Top
Client Testimonials
Compliments About Vino U. Edutainment Events!
"As usual, you crushed it. The feedback from all who attended has been nothing short of spectacular. In a world where nothing is guaranteed,
you are a sure thing!"
R.G. / Fidelity Institutional Asset Management, Smithfield, RI
"Vino U. was outstanding! James' enthusiasm, humor and knowledge were infectious. My clients loved it. They soaked it all up and stuck around to talk with him one-to-one at the end of the evening. They couldn't thank me enough. Such an added value for my clients. Worth every penny."
S.M. / Environmental Design Group, Plainview, NY
"It was super to work with you. Thanks for being so flexible. The night was a success. Our clients loved it!"
J.A. / ALON Marketing Group, Farmingdale, NY
"I am so, so thrilled about the wonderful presentation you brought to the event and the amazing reception you received from our team and clients. Thank you for adding a very unique, entertaining, and complementary element to the event. I hope we are able to work together again soon!"
J.P. / ALON Marketing Group, Farmingdale, NY
"You did an awesome job! Honestly the best client event we have ever had. We would definitely be interested in doing another with you again soon. Thank you!"
B.C. / Merrill Lynch, Indianapolis, IN
"Thank you again for such a wonderful event. We all truly enjoyed the evening!"
K.K. / Watson & Associates - Ameriprise Financial Services, Downers Grove, IL
"I just want to thank you again for putting on such a fun and educational program. We have visited wineries in Napa and Sonoma many times over the years, and we’ve attended all kinds of educational programs about wine, but nothing compares to what you do."
M.J.M. / Client of Merrill Lynch, Indianapolis, IN
"Thank you, James! I truly enjoyed your program. It was informative AND fun … a rare combination."
N.F. / QW US Market Experts
"My friends and I enjoyed the tasting very much and all were so impressed. Thank you so much for helping to make the night fun and special. I would not hesitate to refer my friends and colleagues to you for their events. Thank you for everything!
R.U. / Resident @ Ritz-Carlton Residence Suites, North Hills, NY
"Thank you! It was truly a great event and pleasure to work with you. We are still hearing the buzz around it and how everyone really enjoyed, so KUDOS to you. Everyone has been raving ever since!"
A.B. / HMG+ Hospitality Made Great, NYC
"Thank you, James! I truly enjoyed your presentation and took away a lot of great suggestions when looking for wine … I loved trying different varieties and learning about the labels and the little tricks of the trade. Your energy and enthusiasm really helped keep engagement up…. thanks for bringing this to us, our clients and guests."
K.D. / HMG+ Hospitality Made Great, NYC
"Clients really enjoyed your event ... I will definitely recommend you to peers. Looking forward to you doing the same for us again."
J.D. / UBS Financial Services, Melville, NY
"As usual, you crushed it. The feedback from all who attended has been nothing short of spectacular. In a world where nothing is guaranteed,
you are a sure thing!"
R.G. / Fidelity Institutional Asset Management, Smithfield, RI
"Vino U. was outstanding! James' enthusiasm, humor and knowledge were infectious. My clients loved it. They soaked it all up and stuck around to talk with him one-to-one at the end of the evening. They couldn't thank me enough. Such an added value for my clients. Worth every penny."
S.M. / Environmental Design Group, Plainview, NY
"It was super to work with you. Thanks for being so flexible. The night was a success. Our clients loved it!"
J.A. / ALON Marketing Group, Farmingdale, NY
"I am so, so thrilled about the wonderful presentation you brought to the event and the amazing reception you received from our team and clients. Thank you for adding a very unique, entertaining, and complementary element to the event. I hope we are able to work together again soon!"
J.P. / ALON Marketing Group, Farmingdale, NY
"You did an awesome job! Honestly the best client event we have ever had. We would definitely be interested in doing another with you again soon. Thank you!"
B.C. / Merrill Lynch, Indianapolis, IN
"Thank you again for such a wonderful event. We all truly enjoyed the evening!"
K.K. / Watson & Associates - Ameriprise Financial Services, Downers Grove, IL
"I just want to thank you again for putting on such a fun and educational program. We have visited wineries in Napa and Sonoma many times over the years, and we’ve attended all kinds of educational programs about wine, but nothing compares to what you do."
M.J.M. / Client of Merrill Lynch, Indianapolis, IN
"Thank you, James! I truly enjoyed your program. It was informative AND fun … a rare combination."
N.F. / QW US Market Experts
"My friends and I enjoyed the tasting very much and all were so impressed. Thank you so much for helping to make the night fun and special. I would not hesitate to refer my friends and colleagues to you for their events. Thank you for everything!
R.U. / Resident @ Ritz-Carlton Residence Suites, North Hills, NY
"Thank you! It was truly a great event and pleasure to work with you. We are still hearing the buzz around it and how everyone really enjoyed, so KUDOS to you. Everyone has been raving ever since!"
A.B. / HMG+ Hospitality Made Great, NYC
"Thank you, James! I truly enjoyed your presentation and took away a lot of great suggestions when looking for wine … I loved trying different varieties and learning about the labels and the little tricks of the trade. Your energy and enthusiasm really helped keep engagement up…. thanks for bringing this to us, our clients and guests."
K.D. / HMG+ Hospitality Made Great, NYC
"Clients really enjoyed your event ... I will definitely recommend you to peers. Looking forward to you doing the same for us again."
J.D. / UBS Financial Services, Melville, NY