What are you reading now?
What is your favorite discovery in Los Angeles in the past 5 years?
All the beautiful hiking trails we have all over the place.
What is your morning routine?
Hot water & lemon, then celery juice, then my morning coffeee than my workout.- pretty much the same for the past 5 years.
How would you describe the art of wine tasting to someone who is new to it?
To really use the 5 S’s. See the wine, look at the color. Swirl it to release the beautiful aromas, Smell the wine right after the swirl, Sip it to taste the wine, and Savor it. No quick swallow.
How do you approach collecting wines?
Are there specific criteria that guide your choices?
My approach to collecting is simple. I just ask myself a question much like artwork as they both appreciate in value. Is “What wine will age the best in years to come?” Buy young Italian & French wines and hold onto them.
What initially drew you to the world of wines, and how did your passion develop over time?
My nose. I have an incredible sense of smell and can articulate well what it is. You really need that in the Sommelier world.
Do you have a preferred wine and food pairing that you find consistently delightful?
The easiest best pairings go like this: Italian food-Italian wine. French food-French wine etc. Heavy foods-Heavier wines. Lighter foods- Lighter wines. And a great tip has been that you can pair Sauvignon Blanc with any food you’d squeeze a lemon on.
Are there any wine-related books, documentaries, or resources that you would recommend to someone looking to deepen their understanding?
There are so many wonderful books. I learned a lot from one in particular called “From Grape to Glass”. I Loved the SOMM series documentaries. Gives you a glimpse of what it takes to pass the exam.
