Geralyn Brostrom, a highly experienced professional in the wine industry, has been named the inaugural Chip Cassidy Distinguished Professor of Wine Studies at Florida International University (FIU). Her appointment aims to enhance the educational journey of students in the Vidal-Duart Wine Studies program and contribute to the success of the Chaplin School.

Geralyn Brostrom: The Chip Cassidy Distinguished Professor of Wine Studies

( Credit to: News )

Geralyn Brostrom, a highly experienced professional in the wine industry, has been appointed as the inaugural Chip Cassidy Distinguished Professor of Wine Studies at Florida International University (FIU). With her unique international perspective and over two decades of experience in various sectors of the wine industry, including management, import, distribution, retail, and wine education, Brostrom aims to enhance the educational journey of students in the Vidal-Duart Wine Studies program and contribute to the overall success of the Chaplin School.

Brostrom's extensive knowledge and experience in the field of wine studies make her a valuable addition to the program. As the Chip Cassidy Distinguished Professor of Wine Studies, she will work alongside a talented team of wine and beverage professionals at FIU, shaping the future of the program and pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation in the field.

Prior to joining FIU, Brostrom made significant contributions to wine business education at Sonoma State University and The Culinary Institute of America. She also worked as a consultant for various wine importers, regional wine boards, and Vinexpo America. Additionally, Brostrom co-founded Italian Wine Central, an organization focused on wine education and certification.

With her appointment, the Vidal-Duart Wine Studies program at FIU aims to continue the legacy of Chip Cassidy, who founded the program in the 1970s. The program, named after the Hispanic Vidal-Duart family and the only wine studies program in the country named after a Hispanic family and a woman, seeks to provide students with a comprehensive education in the world of wine.

The Rich History of the FIU Wine Program

The wine program at FIU has a rich history dating back to the 1970s when Chip Cassidy founded it. Cassidy's passion for wine education led him to establish the Florida Extravaganza, a one-day wine and food pairing event on campus. Over the years, this event evolved into the renowned Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®), in partnership with Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, which has become one of the most prestigious wine and food events in the world.

The Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at FIU benefits greatly from the festival, with over 1,500 students actively involved in its operations. The festival provides students with invaluable hands-on experience and networking opportunities in the wine and hospitality industry.

The establishment of the Vidal-Duart Wine Studies program in December, named in honor of the Vidal-Duart family and their generous support, further solidifies the legacy of Chip Cassidy. The program not only offers students the opportunity to pursue undergraduate degrees in beverage or spirits management but also serves as a platform for shaping the future of the wine industry.

Geralyn Brostrom: A Journey of Wine Expertise

Geralyn Brostrom's journey in the wine industry spans over two decades and has taken her to various corners of the world. As a dual citizen of the United States and Italy, she has explored over 20 wine regions worldwide and resided in California's Napa Valley for nearly a decade.

Brostrom's educational background includes a BS in management, an MBA in marketing, and a doctorate in business administration from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Her academic achievements, combined with her extensive practical experience, have made her a sought-after expert in the field of wine studies.

Prior to joining FIU, Brostrom contributed to wine business education at Sonoma State University and The Culinary Institute of America. She also worked as a consultant for various wine importers, regional wine boards, and Vinexpo America. In addition, she co-founded Italian Wine Central, an organization dedicated to wine education and certification.

The Future of the Vidal-Duart Wine Studies Program

The Vidal-Duart Wine Studies program at FIU is set to make its mark on the wine industry. With Geralyn Brostrom as the Chip Cassidy Distinguished Professor of Wine Studies, the program aims to provide students with an exceptional educational journey and prepare them for successful careers in the wine and beverage industry.

The program will be showcased at the upcoming Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®) in February, further highlighting its importance in the wine world. Community events and the first student cohort under the program's new name are scheduled to commence in spring 2024, offering students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of wine and gain hands-on experience.

Thanks to the generous support of the Vidal-Duart family, the Vidal-Duart Wine Studies program at FIU is poised to shape the future of the wine industry, honoring the legacy of Chip Cassidy and providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in this dynamic field.