Tasting in the Dark with Hoby Wedler

Born with the rare condition, Microphthalmia, Dr. Hoby Wedler has been totally blind since birth and is remarkably tuned into his surroundings and has frequently chosen to walk the unbeaten paths in life. Among many things Hoby is a chemist, food scienti...

Born with the rare condition, Microphthalmia, Dr. Hoby Wedler has been totally blind since birth and is remarkably tuned into his surroundings and has frequently chosen to walk the unbeaten paths in life. Among many things Hoby is a chemist, food scientist, sensory awareness expert, entrepreneur and lives with an abundance mindset. He stops by to share his sight loss story and how a wholesome upbringing shaped his work ethic and lead him to the realization that food and flavor are his visual art form.

Hoby also talks about his work with Jackie Summers, the first legal black distiller in the U.S. and founder of Sorel, the most awarded liqueur of 2022. Earlier this year, Jackie tapped Hoby to help scale the production of Sorel while maintaining quality and improving the formula. By combining his heightened senses with his knowledge of organic chemistry, Hoby is using his unique perspective to maximize Sorel’s sensory experience, from brightening its signature ruby red hue, to enhancing each individual flavor and ingredient.

While discussing their shared love of music and sound, Hoby shares an incredible story of pairing wine and music from the Dave Matthews Band in a truly unique version of Tasting In the Dark.

Sorel: https://sorelofficial.com/

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Hoby Wedler

Chemist, Entrepreneur

Dr. Hoby Wedler is an insightful, disarming, and passionate thinker who loves to bring
people together to help them see new possibilities. With the heart of a teacher, Hoby
helps turn dreams into realities. Hoby has been completely blind since birth. He is a
chemist, an entrepreneur, a sensory expert, and is driven by his passion for innovative,
creative, and insightful thinking. Hoby is remarkably tuned into his surroundings and has
frequently chosen to walk the unbeaten paths in life over known territories. In 2016,
Hoby earned his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from UC Davis. His fearlessness is
infectious, and he has actively paved the way for others to join him in his quest to follow
passions regardless of the challenges that lie ahead.

In 2011, Hoby founded a non-profit organization to lead annual chemistry camps for
blind and visually impaired students throughout North America. In the same year, he
began opening doors to the world of wine aromas by developing Tasting in the Dark, a
truly blindfolded wine experience, in collaboration with Francis Ford Coppola. He has
since expanded the program to a global market in a variety of industries and special
projects. Hoby uses his highly-trained palate and acute sensory insight of his
surroundings in his work as a sensory expert and product development consultant. Over
the years, Hoby has become a motivational speaker, a mentor, and an educator committed to making the world more inclusive and accessible for all. Hoby also co-
founded a gourmet seasonings company, Hoby’s Essentials and is co-founder of Senspoint, a Creative and Marketing firm who works with anyone committed to creating
positive impact.

In Hoby’s work, you will find a unique trilogy between sensory awareness, scientific
knowledge, and a love for sharing his insights.

Numerous people and organizations have recognized Hoby’s work over the years. To
name a few, President Barack Obama recognized Hoby by naming him a Champion of
Change for enhancing employment and education opportunities for people with
disabilities. Also, Forbes Media named Hoby as a leader in food and drink in their 30
under 30 annual publication. In 2021, Hoby was named a 40 under 40 Tastemaker by
The Wine Enthusiast. Hoby is dedicated to impacting everyone he works with by
unlocking doors, overcoming challenges, increasing awareness, and expanding their
horizons.