What’s a wine trend that you’re currently excited about?

Moving away from Champagne Flutes and moving towards a better champagne glass. Champagne flutes were not designed for the wine. The yeast component it too prominent in the flute-like glass. The glass needs have a small bulb to expose the fruit qualities first and then the yeast second.

Where and what do you like to drink when you’re not working?

Rose Champagne, Montrachet and Nebbiolo. Usually out with friends or enjoying a glass at home while making dinner on a day off.

What are some challenges you face as a wine buyer or a sommelier?

The guest looking up pricing and markups on their phone at the table. Or just the guest being on their phone in general while I am trying to serve them

What you look for when you plan to buy wine for your business?

Quality, price, vineyard back round and stories, trends, wines that sell themselves

What’s your typical day…like what do you do in the mornings, afternoons and evening and after the guests are gone

In the morning I play with my dog. Afternoons I order, check invoices, add new products, and prepare for the shift. Evenings I check the recs to make ensure the product we sold, will be restocking and back home to my dog

 How has the role of the sommelier evolved in the last 20 years?

Doctors are becoming certified. I think it’s great that being a certified sommelier is a trend. My only request is that the service part of the career is a big piece of the pie. It takes a certain person to flow in the dining room being and be in charge of all of the tables.

Which varietals or countries are in demand these days for your business?

I see many lists branching out and placing New York, Mexico, Croatia and wines from China on list. I think it’s pretty cool.

What is the hardest thing about your job?

Trying to bite my tongue when guests say to the other person at the table after the first taste….”oh you will like it”” It is like they are scared they don’t know if the wine is good and have to prep/trick the other person. 

About the USA Wine Ratings Competition

The USA Wine Ratings competition was introduced by Beverage Trade Network which organizes wine events worldwide. The competition aims to recognize, reward and promote wine brands that are created to identify with and target a specific wine drinker. The competition works on three major criteria; quality, packaging and value for money. For any brand to earn its space on a retailer’s shelf or a restaurant’s wine list, they must be marketable and consumer driven and not just produced in the general hope it can find enough people willing to sell and buy it. This approach of USA Wine Ratings makes the competition different from other wine competitions.

Enter your wines into 2019 USA Wine Ratings before 12 February 2019 to avail Super Early Bird Pricing. Enter Here.