Deborah Parker Wong, Msc, DipWSET is an opinion-leading journalist, educator, researcher, and author who has been writing about the beverage alcohol industry since 2004.

As Global Wine Editor for SOMM Journal and contributor to The Tasting Panel magazines, she writes monthly industry columns including “Scents & Accountability” which explores sensory science related to wine and beverage alcohol and “Date by the Gate” which profiles on and off-premise wine professionals in addition to reporting on the global wine and spirits industries. Her ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible manner makes her a sought-after speaker at industry events and conferences, where she engages with both novice and experienced wine professionals.

In 2020 Deborah was appointed National Editor for the Slow Wine Guide USA, the nation’s only annual guide to eco-friendly wineries in California, Oregon, Washington and New York states. Under her direction, the guide has been published in six stand alone editions concluding with the 2026 edition featuring more than 400 producers.

Deborah teaches wine studies as a lecturer at San Jose State University where she is conducting research studies on sensory training methods and Gen Z consumers. She began teaching at Cabrillo College in 2015 where she has reenvisioned the Wine Studies program to include and Associate Degree in Wine Studies (Fall 2024) and two certifitcate programs that allow students to matriculate to degree programs in the California State University and the University of California systems. She has also taught wine studies at Santa Rosa Junior College since 2017 where she is currently authoring new courses and teaching several classes. In 2017 Deborah established a private Wine & Spirit Education Trust school which currenlty offers Level 2 and Level 3 certifications.

In addition to writing, researching and speaking about wine, she completed a Master’s Degree in Viticulture and Enology at California State University, Fresno in 2025. Her motto is: To learn, read. To know, write. To master, teach which encapsulates her philosophy towards education and underscores her commitment to sharing knowledge with others.

Deborah is dedicated to fostering a sense of community among wine enthusiasts. Through her social media platforms, she connects with a diverse audience, sharing her insights and experiences in the world of wine. On Instagram, her account (@deborahparkerwong) showcases her passion for wine education, featuring everything from tasting notes to educational tips. Her Facebook pages, both personal and professional, serve as platforms for dialogue and engagement, allowing her followers to participate in discussions about wine trends and industry developments.

When Canvas Rebel asked her, Is the public version of you the real you?, she replied, “Absolutely. I began building my brand online long before the advent of the social media influencer and I have relentlessly protected both the authenticity and credibility of my brand. I use social media to gain more reach for the articles that I author, to stay connected with colleagues, and to support the industry activities that I and others engage in but there is nothing inauthentic about my public persona. I intentionally don’t share over much about my personal life because I don’t need to. My audience is interested in what I’m doing professionally.”

In a recent interview she offers insights into her work ethic, “I love my work but “my work” doesn’t really look like most jobs. Yes, I’m lecturing often but because my many professional activities are interrelated, I’m rarely bored. After earning a Master of Science degree this year, I find myself moving in a new direction. I’m deeply interested in designing and conducting academic research studies in my field and developing projects based on that research. Achieving a big milestone absolutely gave me a boost this year but this is my third career/industry, so It’s taken me three tries to get it right. Curiosity that has been the driving factor of my lifelong motivation.”

Contact Deborah Parker Wong

deborahparkerwong@gmail.com

dpw@sommjournal.com

Read my published research at: Deborah Parker Wong on ResearchGate

Social media contacts:

Instagram – @deborahparkerwong

Facebook – www.facebook.com/deborah.parker.wong – personal page

https://www.facebook.com/deborahparkerwongdwset/ – professional page

Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahparkerwong/