Meet the Educator: Tracy Waldron
We’re excited to introduce Tracy Waldron, founder of the Virginia Wine & Spirits Academy as our Approved Course Provider in Virginia, USA. With more than 25 years in the beverage and hospitality industry, Tracy brings a wealth of experience across wine, spirits and education. From her early days as a sommelier in Napa Valley to her current role leading certification courses and tasting seminars, Tracy has built her career around helping people engage all their senses to understand what’s in the glass and to speak confidently about it.
In Tracy’s own words
I’ve spent 25 years in the beverage and hospitality world - working as a sommelier, importer, distributor and tasting room hospitality director. These days, my main focus is teaching: running certification courses for industry professionals and tasting seminars for passionate enthusiasts across all beverage categories. What I value most is creating interactive tasting experiences where people use all their senses and learn to talk confidently about their preferences.
When I was a sommelier in Napa Valley, I realised our staff needed more spirits training. Guests often asked for Scotch or Cognac and those early trainings became my first steps into spirits education. Later, I completed the WSET Diplomas in Wine & Spirits and when I certified as a WSET Educator, I taught both categories. With my chemistry background, teaching distillation and maturation has always been especially fun.
What I love most is watching students learn to trust themselves. Once they have the vocabulary to describe what they’re experiencing, their confidence grows, their palates expand and they’re eager to try new things without fear of being “wrong.”
Spirits education requires deep category expertise. To create a global standard of education for something as internationally significant as Scotch whisky, you need industry insight, family heritage and producer partnerships. That’s what Edinburgh Whisky Academy has built into its courses and that’s what makes the materials so impactful. From my perspective, when I see passionate people doing something extremely well, I want to be part of it.
My advice to anyone wanting to learn more about whisky is to find a reputable guide. In today’s social media age, anyone can claim to be an expert, so it’s important to seek out true professionals. EWA courses are excellent, but there’s also great value in visiting distilleries, seeing the process firsthand, and tasting along the way. And don’t be afraid to ask questions - showing up with enthusiasm and curiosity opens doors for anyone hoping to enter the industry.
Quickfire questions with Tracy
First whisky you ever tasted?
The first whisky I smelled was Johnnie Walker Black - my parents kept a bottle for special guests, and I used to sneak it down just to sniff it. The first I ever tasted was probably Maker’s Mark Bourbon, a Southern standard.
Best whisky you’ve ever tasted?
Impossible to name just one! A good whisky in good company is always the best whisky. Recently, I shared a Balvenie 21 Port Wood with a restaurateur who claimed to “hate” Scotch. After one sip, he kept the glass for himself and for me, seeing his mind completely change made it one of the best experiences I’ve had.
Favourite distillery to visit?
Virginia Distillery Co. I have huge local pride in this American Single Malt leader — and their team is fantastic.
Favourite non-whisky drink?
Tea. I’m as serious about it as any other beverage, and there’s always a cup nearby. Right now it’s Bai Hao Formosa oolong.
Favourite whisky and food pairing?
Chocolate. People want wine and chocolate to work, but whisky is the perfect match.
One person, dead or alive, you’d most like to share a dram with?
Queen Elizabeth II. I’d want to spend hours talking about horses, racing, and breeding.
