Terah Bajjalieh

Terah Bajjalieh is a winemaker and certified sommelier from California. She started her professional career in wine at the International Culinary Institute where she completed the level two-sommelier certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers. She then entered the Bay Area wine scene working in various aspects of the industry. She worked in hospitality at retail outlets, wine bars, a Michelin starred restaurant, and wrote wine reviews, all while consulting with other sommeliers and assisting with digital media content for various brands.

The international and cultural aspects of wine inspire Terah. She loves exploring new regions and collaborating with wine professionals abroad on all aspects of the wine industry.  Terah ambitiously immersed herself into the international world of wine, studying in both Spain and France and working 13 harvests covering five countries.  Her flying winemaking experience include the regions of: Meursault (France), Barossa Valley (Australia), Marlborough (New Zealand), Mendoza (Argentina), Sonoma (U.S.) and Napa Valley (U.S).

Terah graduated with a BS in Finance from San Jose State University. She also holds a Masters degree in Enology and Viticulture from Montpellier Supagro in France. She is fluent in English and conversational in Spanish and Arabic. Most recently, she completed the WSET level 3 certification with merit.

In 2020, she started her own wine label and consulting company called Terah Wine Co. through which she continues to pursue winemaking and other opportunities in the U.S. and abroad.

“I am very grateful and excited to receive the Fuel Your Dreams scholarship. I am tremendously honored to receive support from organizations such as E. & J. Gallo and the Women of the Vine and Spirits Foundation. Thank you for recognizing the importance of supporting women in this industry. I am inspired by the women before me, by the women succeeding today, and will do my utmost best to forge a path for more women to succeed. I value personal growth and look forward to developing my wine business, and new opportunities by utilizing this scholarship.”