I’m pleased to welcome Jim Clarke to the ranks of WRO Wine Columnists. I’ve known Jim for more than a decade, and have followed his varied career with great interest. He’s written for us previously as a guest columnist, and has a long list of publications in impressive venues including, World of Fine Wine, The Wine Spectator, The New York Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, Beverage Media, Star Chefs, and Forbes.com.
Jim studied wine with the American Sommelier Association and worked as sommelier and wine director in New York for several years, initially as the Wine Director of Megu New York, one of the city’s leading high-end Japanese restaurants, with locations in Tribeca and Midtown, and 
then at Armani Ristorante, inside the clothing company’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue.
In September 2013 Jim left the restaurant industry to join Wines of South Africa, where he now works as Marketing Manager. We abide by high standards of journalistic ethics here at WRO, and consequently Jim won’t be writing about South African wines for us, but his broad experience, insightful writing and keen palate will enable him to illuminate many other dimensions of the wide world of wine.
When I mention “broad experience,” I might also note as an aside that, from 1996 to 2001, Clarke resided overseas in London, Holland and Germany, obtaining his Masters degree at the Royal Academy of Music and pursuing further graduate work in Music Composition. Early in 2001, Jim ventured back to the States and took up residence in New York City. During a stint waiting tables at Isabella’s, he was introduced to BR Guest Hospitality’s beverage training program. It was at Isabella’s that his love for wine ignited. He was taken under the wing of Master Sommelier Greg Harrington, attending Harrington’s internal “Wine College” and “Advanced Wine College.” In 2003, Clarke turned toward wine as a career, enrolling with the American Sommelier Association for their 20-week Vinification course and 15-week Blind Tasting Course, successfully completing both.
Look for Jim’s column on white wines from Washington state in this week’s issue, as well as forthcoming columns on a wide range of topics in the months ahead.
–Michael Franz
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