Dr. Keith L. Herndon

Dr. Keith Herndon is a journalism professor at the University of Georgia where he has developed courses in food journalism. Herndon is a Certified Wine Sommelier and Certified Wine Educator through training with the Asia Pacific Wine and Spirit Institute. He holds the American Wine Expert credential from the Napa Valley Wine Academy and is a Certified Sherry Wine Specialist along with other industry credentials. Herndon and Charlotte Varnum co-host the Wines We Drink podcast, which will release its fifth season in summer 2025. The show won Best Lifestyle Podcast and Best Food or Drink Podcast in the 15th Annual Taste Awards. Herndon is a guest sommelier at Tapped Athens Wine Tasting Market and has served as a judge in the prestigious James Beard Awards. He holds the Morris Chair in News Strategy and Management at UGA and leads the Cox Institute for Journalism Innovation, Management and Leadership. Prior to teaching, Herndon’s career spanned more than 35 years as a journalist, technologist and consultant. He earned his Ph.D. in media and information from Australia’s Curtin University, a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma and a bachelor’s degree from UGA.