Making Wine Approachable, Educational, and a Little Bit Dorky

Hi, I’m Meg—a certified wine educator, Oregon-based winemaker, and founder of Barrel Dork, a zero-snobbery space for wine lovers who want to learn, explore, and sip with confidence.

My love of wine began when I studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain, where I first discovered the joy of wine—always paired with food, always part of the culture. That experience sparked a deep curiosity about how wine connects to place. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to travel to iconic wine regions around the world, learning how each culture is shaped by its wines and how a bottle can tell the story of a region. After moving to Portland in 2015, I dove headfirst into the Pacific Northwest food and wine scene and never looked back.

From working in local tasting rooms to consulting for up-and-coming wineries, I pursued every opportunity to deepen my wine knowledge. I also completed the WSET Level 2 and Level 3 certifications—an experience that taught me how intimidating wine education can feel… but also how powerful it is to finally get it.

That’s why I created Barrel Dork: to make learning about wine fun, welcoming, and totally jargon-free. Whether you’re just getting into wine or looking to refine your palate, I’m here to help you understand what you’re tasting, find the wines you love, and feel confident buying and sharing wine.

In addition to teaching wine lovers, I also make small-batch wines under my own label, Flipturn Cellars. My winemaking philosophy centers around low-intervention techniques and food-friendly styles using grapes I’ve fallen in love with during my travels.

I also offer Personalized Wine Consultations—whether you’re planning a private event, curating a home collection or cellar, or just need help picking the perfect bottles for a special occasion. I’d love to help!

Click here to inquire about wine consulting