through Tailored Education /
May Matta-Aliah
For 16 years as President of In the Grape, I’ve built expertise that’s both deep and wide-ranging, touching nearly every facet of the industry.
On the strategy side, I love collaborating with brands to develop programs that share their unique story and genuinely resonate with their ideal audience. I believe great brand representation goes beyond knowledge—it’s about being a true partner who understands your goals and helps achieve them. My business is rooted in strong, long-term relationships, and I’m proud of the impact we’ve created together, from quick wins to multi-year initiatives.
On the education side, my mission is simple: make every sip and story relevant, engaging, and enjoyable. I thrive on demystifying complex topics and turning them into accessible, inspiring experiences that spark real excitement and engagement. This passion for storytelling has led me to speak at top-tier industry events like Vin Expo and Tales of the Cocktail , teach within respected programs such as the International Wine Center, and serve as a trusted ambassador for exceptional brands.
My work is grounded in rigorous credentials, including the Level 4 Diploma from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust and certification as a Wine Educator through the Society of Wine Educators.
If you’re looking for a partner who can be your on-the-ground ally and a seamless extension of your brand, I’d love to connect. Reach out below—let’s create meaningful buzz together.
Testimonials
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"We at the BNIA have had the pleasure of working with May for over 15 years and she has been an exceptional partner throughout."
Her dedication, professionalism, and deep understanding of the U.S. market—particularly in New York—have been invaluable to our efforts to promote Armagnac. Through her extensive educational work and expertly executed events, May has played a key role in increasing awareness and appreciation of our spirit among both trade and consumers.
Beyond her outstanding event management, she has provided us with precious market insights that have helped us better understand evolving consumer trends and refine our strategy across the United States. May’s passion, creativity, and commitment make her a true ambassador for fine spirits and a trusted collaborator we look forward to continuing to work with in the years to come.
-Maeva Vidonne, Responsable Communication & Promotion, BNIA
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"I’ve worked with May for more than six years on a number of regional wine programs, and she’s been a valued collaborator throughout."
She possesses an exceptional wealth of knowledge on wine and also on the market. May is much more than a presenter—she’s a true team player who approaches every project with professionalism, preparation, and insight. She has been an invaluable part of planning strategic campaigns as a whole with her presentations being the glue. Her seminars are consistently well received, thanks to her engaging style and depth of knowledge. It’s always a pleasure to work with her.
-Constance Chamberlain, Founder & President, Wine & Co.
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"May has partnered with our company for several years as a speaker and presenter, sharing her expertise and knowledge in the wonderful world of wine."
May’s ability to demystify this often complicated industry, always puts the guests that attend our wine tastings at ease, helping them leave feeling more educated and definitely entertained. May’s relaxed and informative presenting style sets the perfect tone for a light-hearted exploration of the world’s wine regions. With an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of wine, no question however obscure seems to phase her. A good wine speaker and teacher is harder to find that you’d expect, but with May we know we’ve found one and will continue to work with her for as long as she is happy to.
-Richard Porter, Managing Partner, Chief Wine Officer
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"I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with May for 15+ years—first as a talented art director and later as she became a respected wine educator and ambassador."
Over the years, I’ve continually been impressed by her depth of knowledge and ability to translate that expertise into engaging, insightful presentations and classes. May combines deep preparation with an intuitive understanding of her audience, creating connections and experiences that are informative, inclusive, and memorable. She brings professionalism to everything she does, but it’s her genuine passion for wine and natural sense of hospitality that truly sets her apart.
-Beth Cotenoff, DipWSET, SVP, Teuwen, a Division of Evins Communications
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"May is truly a talented instructor with a unique ability to make wine approachable."
Not only does May spark interest and enjoyment in wine, she inspires our customers to further explore the world of wine. May’s professionalism has cultivated a trusting and warmhearted relationship with Astor Center.
- Lisa Saunders, General Manager, Astor Center
Clients
Contact Me
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I can’t wait to hear from you!