About


Tim Hanni, MW

Tim Hanni MW

Master of Wine, Certified Wine Educator
Wine Industry Faculty, Sonoma State University

Tim Hanni is an internationally renowned ‘flavor maven.’ A professionally-trained chef, he is one of the first two resident Americans to successfully complete the examination and earn the title Master of Wine. He is a Certified Wine Educator accredited by the Society of Wine Educators. He has been involved with wine- and food-related businesses, education and research for over thirty-five years. Hanni has a unique perspective on food and wine, providing a modern and innovative approach to the subject.

His techniques for creating easy to use wine lists and retail wine programs are combined with tried and tested culinary philosophies on “balancing” food and wine flavors. These techniques are employed by thousands of restaurants and hotel outlets around the world and have provided the foundation for Napa Seasoning Company’s unique new product Vignon™, the first Flavor Balancing Seasoning designed to simplify food preparation. Hanni is recognized for introducing the concept of the “umami” taste phenomenon to the wine and food community. He has lectured in over 27 countries around the world on the topics of flavor balancing, sensory sciences, wine and culinary history.