Monday Meditations with Wine is a weekly live interview session on BRAVO!’s Facebook page highlighting hospitality, culinary, and beverage industry professionals from the American South. This weekly series is meant to shine a light on the enthusiastic, passionate, professionals in the south blazing trails in their respective fields. We are telling the stories of the south’s brightest in the hospitality industry.

So, grab your favorite glass of wine and experience southern hospitality from your living room, office, dorm room, or where ever you please every Monday at 6 PM CST.

This week’s special guest will be Ray Sholes from Miami, Florida. Ray Sholes is a Sommelier, wine educator, wine judge, and business owner – The Royal Vines. Ray has a discerning palate and is a passionate wine lover. He is known not only for his incredible tasting abilities and vast knowledge, but also for his friendly, relaxed, and entertaining approach to wine education.

Growing up in Compton, California Ray admits, “I come from a world where an education in fine wines, sake, craft brews, and spirits did not exist.” His fascination for wine took off after graduation from Johnson & Wales University where he earned his Bachelors of Food Service Management. His thirst for wine has taken him across the globe and has helped hone his skills beyond textbooks. Ray has spent more than 15 years in the restaurant and hospitality industry where he has experience with wine list creation, dynamic staff training, and restaurant management and consultation.

When he isn’t hosting tasting events, he works as the Sommelier at Micheal’s Genuine in the Design District of Miami, FL. Ray encourages his clients to benefit from his expertise to make their events not only a success, but a memorable one; that your family, friends, co-workers, and team will talk about for years to come!

Want to know a little more about Ray Sholes?