Ep. 2785 From Volunteer to Speaker at TEXSOM with Samantha Cole Johnson | TEXSOM 2026

Welcome back to TEXSOM 2026 and Episode 2785 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Jessica Dupuy interviews wine journalist, educator and sommelier, Samantha Cole Johnson DipWSET.

In this conversation, Samantha traces her path through the wine trade, from waitress to sommelier at some of the industry's most prestigious wine bars and restaurants, through five harvests, before falling in love with the education and journalism side of the business. She now writes for JancisRobinson.com. Samantha also reflects on TEXSOM itself: she first came as a volunteer, and says that while the masterclasses and lectures are extraordinary, the knowledge held by everyone at the event, including the service staff, might be the best part of all.

The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a Media Partner of TEXSOM for the third year in a row, supporting one of the most influential wine events in North America.

Join us at TEXSOM 2026 as Texas-based wine journalist Jessica Dupuy interviews top writers, journalists, sommeliers, and wine professionals at this highly influential wine event. In this special series, Jessica will delve into the experiences and insights of key attendees, exploring career paths, challenges, and the latest trends in the wine industry.

More about today's guest:

Samantha Cole Johnson, DipWSET is a wine journalist and educator from Oregon. She built her career in the wine trade as a waitress and later a sommelier at leading wine bars and restaurants, worked five harvests, and now writes for JancisRobinson.com, focusing on wine education and journalism.

Connect:

Website: https://www.jancisrobinson.com/author/samantha-cole-johnson 

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/samanthacolejohnson/ 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-cole-johnson-b609a827b 

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