About Tracy Waldron
Wine wasn’t part of Tracy Waldron’s upbringing. It was during time spent in Italy as a teenager that she first saw how wine could bring people together over meals, conversations, and celebrations. That cultural connection stayed with her and sparked a lifelong curiosity.
After college, Tracy moved to Napa Valley to immerse herself in wine. What began as a “gap year” before medical school turned into more than 15 years in the California wine and hospitality industry, from working as a sommelier at Michelin-starred restaurants to leading sales and marketing at luxury wineries. Along the way, she discovered how much her science background applied to viticulture and winemaking, and how formal wine education could open doors to better jobs and stronger careers.
The Vision Behind VAWSA
When Tracy returned to Virginia, she quickly noticed a gap. The restaurant and hospitality scene was growing, but staff often lacked the training to confidently recommend and serve wine. Guests were eager to learn, but there wasn’t a clear pathway for professionals or enthusiasts to build their knowledge.
That’s when Virginia Wine & Spirits Academy came to life, and Tracy became part of its vision. From the start, she has been dedicated to creating a trusted, professional, and approachable place to learn. Today, VAWSA offers internationally recognized certifications through WSET, Wine Scholar Guild, and Edinburgh Whisky Academy, along with tailored training for restaurants, hotels, and anyone passionate about wine and spirits.
For Tracy, it’s about more than passing an exam. It’s about building confidence, creating mentorship opportunities, and raising the level of knowledge across the industry so that both professionals and consumers can share in the joy and culture of wine and spirits.