Beyond the Table: Alene Keenan on Wine, Wisdom & What Matters Most
- Top Notch Tabletop
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Author & Founder of Etiquette Uncorked
⚓ Let’s Start at the Helm
Few names in yachting embody service excellence, humor, and heart quite like Alene Keenan — affectionately known as The Yacht Guru. With over two decades aboard yachts up to 76 meters (250 ft), Alene’s journey has evolved from Chief Stewardess to author, instructor, and founder of Etiquette Uncorked — blending fine service, wine wisdom, and hospitality training with her signature Midwest charm & smile.
An American who fell in love with yachting while studying in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Alene’s curiosity quickly turned into a calling. What followed was 20 years of precision, poise, and passion at sea.
“I started out fascinated by these elegant private yachts gliding through the Caribbean,” she laughs, “and next thing I knew, I was running service on one!”
From Chief Stewardess on superyachts to lead instructor at Maritime Professional Training in Fort Lauderdale, Alene’s impact has been industry-shaping. She helped develop the GUEST Program, wrote the iconic Yacht Guru’s Bible, and has trained hundreds (if not thousands) of stews who now carry her standards across the globe.
She’s not just an icon — she’s a pillar in the yachting and hospitality community.
🍷 Wine, Tables & the Art of Hospitality
For Alene, an unforgettable dining experience is a symphony of details — the linens, the china, the glassware, the wine, the décor, the flow of service.
“What makes it magical,” she says, “is when guests experience the authentic flavor of the places we visit — through local cuisine, décor, and regional touches. I always loved to weave the itinerary into the presentation, using colors, flowers, and accents that reflected where we were in the world.”
She lights up recalling summers on the Amalfi Coast. “We’d go into Positano with the guests, connect with artisans, and bring their pottery and art onboard. “It created such a sense of connection with our guests,” she smiles. “Every table told a story of where we were in the world.”
🎓 Training the Next Generation
When Alene moved from sea to shore, her mission stayed crystal clear — raise the bar, keep it fun, and make learning unforgettable.
At MPT, she wrote and taught seven courses — from Silver Service and Wine & Cocktails to Housekeeping, Laundry, and Interior Management.
“Those years were profound,” she says. “It was full-circle — everything I’d learned onboard, I now had the chance to teach.”
Today, through Etiquette Uncorked, she continues to educate and entertain — hosting wine dinners, corporate events, and hospitality workshops across the Midwest.
“What excites me most about the future of hospitality,” she adds, “is how eager people are to learn. I’ve had CEOs, lawyers, doctors absolutely thrilled to master how to hold a wine glass correctly. True hospitality isn’t about formality — it’s about connection, care, and creating memorable moments.”
Her second book, Wine Anxiety: From Confused to Confident, invites readers to explore wine without intimidation — to taste, learn, and enjoy with ease.
“I wanted to distill everything I’d learned into clear, simple guidance for understanding wine without intimidation. I’ve found that many servers can recite a wine list but don’t always grasp what’s in the bottle. My goal is to change that — to help people feel confident, curious, and connected through wine.”
Hosting corporate events, wine dinners and speaking engagements has become second nature. Collaborating with local restaurants & country clubs, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, designing menu and wine pairings. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see how much people can learn — and enjoy — in one evening. And of course, there’s always that inevitable sparkle of curiosity about life “below deck,” which I’m more than happy to share”.
💫 Quickly, Let’s Talk Tables — and Top Notch Tabletop!
As one of the original Top Notch Tabletop judges, Alene has watched the competition grow from a fun idea into a movement celebrating creativity, teamwork, and pride in service.
“What I looked for in service, presentation, and table artistry often came down to one key element — passion.
It was inspiring to see stews pour their creativity and heart into every detail, finally having the chance to share their ideas, exchange inspiration, and be recognized for their incredible skill and commitment. For many, it was the first time they could see what other boats were doing — and to realize that their work was part of something much bigger than their own vessel.
Seeing stews express themselves through design and detail — and realizing they’re part of something bigger — that’s what makes Top Notch Tabletop so special.”
📞 Connect with Alene
Want to bring Alene’s sparkle to your next event, team training, or tasting? She’d love to hear from you.
📧 Email: etiquetteuncorked@gmail.com (Best way to reach me!)
📞 Phone/Text: 954-873-2869
🌐 Website: etiquetteuncorked.com
💼 LinkedIn: Alene Keenan Wine Educator | Hospitality Trainer | Author of Wine Anxiety | Founder of Etiquette Uncorked | Making Wine and Service Approachable
Ms. Alene Keenan, my deepest gratitude for your time. Your story continues to set the standard—beautifully, boldly, and with that signature charm that captivates all of us. Muchas Gracias! Cris Clifford.
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Thank you, Grazie mille, Merci, Muchas Gracias, Pura Vida!
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