Welcome to The Curated Course!

Hi, I’m Christy Agee!

I’ve always believed that meaningful travel, delicious bites, and great wine should influence everyday life. The Curated Course is my way of sharing that belief — by helping others plan their next adventures, integrate global inspiration in the kitchen, and discover wines with a story from all over the world.

I was born and raised in Iowa, where my love for food took root in the kitchens of my grandmothers. One, a home economics teacher with a massive backyard garden, taught me the value of seasonal cooking and preserving what she grew. The other, a first-generation Italian, showed me that food was just as much about delicious recipes as it was about gathering with loved ones. Many holidays were shared in the homes of her sisters who lived on the same street — each with their own Italian specialties. As a child, I played “restaurant” with my dolls — a sign of what was to come. My Italian grandmother would then take me on my first international trip to visit her home country.

Years later, I became the owner-operator of two restaurants in Chicago,
including a Belgian-inspired concept that deepened my love for wine. I earned my Level 3 Award in Wines from the Wine Spirit Education Trust (WSET), curated wine lists to complement our menus, and led immersive wine dinners that connected our guests to the stories behind every label. I also trained our staff to speak about wine with confidence and context — helping guests understand not just what they were drinking, but why it mattered.

After stepping away from restaurant life, I returned to my first career in advertising, where I project-managed high-impact campaigns for health and wellness brands. In 2024, a corporate layoff and the major rebuilding of our Tampa home post-Hurricane Milton gave me the space to envision what was next.

The Curated Course is that next chapter — a space where my lifelong passions converge to offer travel planning as a certified travel advisor through Fora, culinary guidance inspired by other cultures, and wine education from around the world. If you’re ready to explore more confidently, eat more intentionally, or bring a sense of story to what you pour into your glass, I’d love to be part of your journey. The Curated Course is here to guide you — one meaningful experience at a time.

I’d love to hear from you! Whether you have a question about recipes, wine pairings, travel planning, or one of my projects, I’m just an email away. Or feel free to message me here!