When people ask me how I came to be in the wine industry I always have to smile. I grew up with an Italian mother and a wine-aficionado father. Wine was almost always on the table and always associated with food, friends and occasions, both special events and ordinary (but tasty) meals. Being Italian on one side and Jewish on the other, I can safely say that food, friends and occasions were never in short supply. With that in mind it makes sense that I was introduced to wine at a very young age. In typical Italian fashion when I first showed interest, my mother used to give me a glass of water with a couple of drops of wine in it and as I grew older the ratios slowly changed.
As far as my actually training in wine, I began at thirteen when I asked my father to start teaching me the basics. My interest continued throughout the years and became even more pronounced in my last two years of college through a semester abroad in Rome and with many of my friends’ discoveries of European wine and lifestyle. After college, I enrolled in the Wine and Spirit Education Trust and have completed its advanced level course. I have also been certified through the French Wines Scholars. Using this training, I’ve been working as a wine steward for a restaurant with an award-wining cellar and as a wine consultant. As a wine professional I have had the opportunity to taste wines from around the world at wineries and trade tastings and from private tastings and collections of various depth and age.
The result of my experience is a continuing love of sharing the joy of wine, food and good times. I write this blog with this in mind and encourage you not only to read but also to share your own thoughts and experiences. Wine usually helps discussions become more approachable and fun and discussions often have the same effect on wine.
