If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
I take wine seriously, but make learning about wine seriously fun. I'm Professor of Wine Studies at a college in wine country where my students include both consumers and winery personnel. I'm also a certified sommelier and have many other accreditations, including Diploma Wine & Spirits.
My services include classes, tastings, wine dinners and wine tours. I can arrange for wine, glasses and decanters if needed.
Overview
Hired 7 times
Serves Oakland, CA
Background checked
1 employee
18 years in business
Business hours
Sun8:00 am - 10:00 pmMonClosed
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Check, Credit card, PayPal, Square cash app, and Venmo.
Services offered
Services required
Event type
Wine tasting
Dinner party
Food and wine pairing lessons
Other private
Region(s) of interest
France
California
Italy
Australia/New Zealand
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, responsiveness, and punctuality.
Very good 4.6
5 reviews
5
80%
4
0%
3
20%
2
0%
1
0%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
JD D.
Feb 26, 2025
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Fred was amazing to work with! He was incredibly accommodating to our requests on the types of wine to include in the tasting, even going so far as to suggest a last minute change after he had a mediocre tasting with one we had selected. If I am ever in need of another sommelier for a private tasting, there is no doubt in my mind that I will immediately reach out to Fred again.
Details: Private / personalized tour • Don't need transportation arrangements • 7-15 • My home, venue, etc.
NorCal Wine's reply
Thank you, it was a pleasure doing the event for you.
I always want people to have the best possible experience. So when I tried the wines in advance and noted that one was too young to show well, I was eager to suggest alternatives.
Wine Tastings and Tours
Kim P.
Apr 19, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Fred was awesome to work with. He was incredibly helpful in planning our event and flexible when we needed to change direction at the last minute. It was truly a pleasure to work with him and would recommend him 100%!
Details: Dinner party • 31 - 40 guests • California • Food and wine pairings • Education about about grapes, regions, and vineyards
NorCal Wine's reply
Thank you so much, Kim. It was a pleasure to help you on this wonderful event.
Sommelier Services & Lessons
Brian B.
Jul 25, 2019
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Fred was an excellent somm for our work event. He managed a full tasting of 6 wines for 40 people without a hitch, was flexible enough to meet all of our needs, and left people with a great and educational experience. Highly recommend.
Details: Wine tasting • 11 - 20 guests • California • Education about about grapes, regions, and vineyards • Pouring service • Wine recommendations
NorCal Wine's reply
Thank you for the great review, Brian! It was a pleasure working with you and doing the event for your team.
Sommelier Services & Lessons
James G.
Jun 4, 2019
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Fred's services was a great asset to my company's event. He was great with all the guest that walked through the event and was extremely helpful, responsive, and easy to work. Prior to the event Fred even helped me with some brainstorming ideas and with pricing to make sure everything was exactly how I wanted.
Details: Wine tasting • 21 - 30 guests • California • Education about about grapes, regions, and vineyards • Pouring service • Wine recommendations
NorCal Wine's reply
Thank you for the excellent review, James. It was very nice to work for you and fun pouring for StubHub's customers.
Sommelier Services & Lessons
Erika F.
Nov 12, 2019
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Details: Wine tasting • 41 - 50 guests • France • California • Australia/New Zealand • Pouring service • Education about about grapes, regions, and vineyards
NorCal Wine's reply
Thank you for the review, Erika. Was there something that you'd have liked have gone differently?
Sommelier Services & Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Frederick Swan
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My pricing is straightforward, based on time worked. Hours worked include the event itself plus any required planning, set up and clean up.
I can work with any budget with respect to the wines and spirits.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I like to talk with the customer by phone to understand what their needs and wants are. Then I propose a customized experience that will meet, or exceed, their expectations.
Note: I do fantastic wine country tours but I am not a limo/bus driver. Additional arrangements will need to be made for transportation.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am the Professor of Wine Studies at a wine country college. I am also a Certified Sommelier, hold a Diploma from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (a 2-year program), and have many other certifications, including French Wine Scholar, Certified Specialist of Wine, Italian Wine Professional, and California Wine Appellation specialist.
