Sommelier Nadine Brown was born and raised along the shores of Jamaica and Puerto Rico. She came to the states to pursue a degree in social work. After working with children for a number of years she later moved to D.C. After months of trying to find a job in her field she took a job as a hostess at a new French restaurant opening on Capitol Hill. She had no previous restaurant experience and had every intention to return to social work. However, she fell in love with the hospitality industry. She quickly moved up from hostess to manager in a few short years. Nadine first came to wine by reading and found the history of wine fascinating and took her first wine captain course to help her be a better manager. 

Today, Nadine is a twenty year veteran of the Washington, D.C. restaurant industry. She spent over 14 years at Charlie Palmer Steak as Wine Director and Sommelier. Nadine and her husband were managing partners of Society Fair, a boutique eatery in Alexandria Virginia, where she worked as General Manager and Sommelier. She is a two-time winner of the D.C. RAMMY’s Wine Program of the year for the region. Her palate won her the title of rising star from Star Chef in the summer of 2006. Nadine is a proud board member of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan D.C. and the nonprofit the Verasion Project. Nadine holds certifications from both the Court of Master Sommelier and WSET. She continues to be a mentor to many young professionals in the business. She is a mother of two rambunctious children, Estelle and Emerson who keep her on her toes daily.

The Veraison Project:

https://www.theveraisonproject.com/about

Founded by Julia Coney, Black Wine Professionals is a resource for wine industry employers and gatekeepers, professionals, and the food and beverage community. Our goal is to lift up the multifaceted Black professionals in the world of wine.

Black Wine Professionals was born out of necessity. For too long, Black Wine Professionals have been overlooked and absent from conversations, tastings, product marketing and much more. That changes now because we’re here and we aren’t going anywhere.

Black Wine Professionals will continue to grow as we expand our site to include event listings, educational resources, job postings, and a discussion forum. We look forward to partnering with companies and organizations committed to furthering our mission.

Julia Coney (Founder) is a Washington, D.C. and Houston, Texas-based wine writer, wine educator, speaker, and consultant. Her wine writing includes stories on wine, winemakers, and the intersection of race, wine, and language. She holds a WSET Level Two Certification in Wine and Spirits and is currently pursuing her Master Level Champagne Certification with the Wine Scholar Guild and WSET Level Three Certification.

Her work has been featured in The New York Times, VinePair, Wine Enthusiast, Thrillist, The Tasting Panel, Plate Magazine, Forbes.com, WineEnthusiast.com, The Washington Post, Seven Fifty Daily, Wine Searcher, the Financial Times, Jancisrobinson.com, Glamour, Essence, and numerous print and digital publications. Julia is a 2019 Fellow of the Professional Wine Writers Symposium at Meadowood Napa Valley. Julia has spoken at conferences such as wine2wine, Assemblage Symposium, The Culinary Institute of American's Summit for Sommeliers and Beverage Professionals and Batonnage Forum. You can find her on all social media at @juliaconey.

Larissa C. Dubose (Director of Education), is a Certified Sommelier, and market-savvy Sales Manager with over 10 years of experience in the Wine, Spirits & Hospitality Industry. Larissa is currently a Senior On-Premise Manager who manages the sales and distribution goals for Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Larissa is a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, Level 3 Certified with WSET, and a Certified Specialist of Wine with the Society of Wine Educators.

Larissa has a thirst for education and will provide insight on seminars, books, and tools for fellow Black Wine Professionals to thrive. Larissa loves the factual aspect of wine and educates in a way that is organic, fun, approachable, inspiring, and authentic. You can find her on all social media at @lotusvinewine and her website thelotusandthevines.com

Shakera Jones (Community Liaison) of Black Girls Dine Too—a lifestyle brand, blog, and social media space—serves as a guide to the wonderful world of high-end food and wine; a need she identified from her own experiences exploring her passion for food, wine, and culture in this space. Shakera hosts bi-weekly virtual “tastings,” exploring grape varietals, production, and regions to broaden the palates of her followers through her welcoming teaching style and warm personality. A tech professional by day and wine student by night, she is currently studying to obtain certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers and Spanish Wine Scholar program with the Wine Scholar Guild. An aspiring wine journalist she has written pieces for Seven Fifty Daily and is one of the new cast members of SommTV.

Shakera thrives on bringing people together. In her role, Shakera will plan virtual BWP community events and when the world eventually opens up, in person BWP events. You can find her on all social media at @blackgirlsdinetoo

Maryam Ahmed (Chief T-Shirt Designer and Advisor to BWP) is a NY native based in Napa, CA. She has been in the food and beverage industry for over ten years. At the Culinary Institute of America, Maryam develops hands-on and thought-leadership programs for consumers that love food, wine and the planet. She is also the director of the annual CIA Summit for Sommeliers and Beverage Professionals. Maryam coaches and consults for socially conscious entrepreneurs to implement ideas, create experiences, and launch and scale their businesses.

Maryam has a degree in hotel administration as well as enology & viticulture. She is a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier, a board member for The Symposium for Professional Wine Writers and is one of Somm TV’s newest cast members.

Maryam is an advisor to BWP and chief t-shirt designer for our community. You can find Maryam on Instagram @goodfriendsgoodfood and through her website maryamahmed.co

Tammy Gordon (PR & Marketing Strategist and Advisor to BWP) is the founder of Verified Strategy, a social and digital-first public relations, communications and marketing agency based in Washington, DC. She works with companies, organizations and causes that want to build audience-driven communities.

Tammy is a perpetual WSET student, constantly learning more about the wine industry, but avoiding the actual test. A former spokesperson and publicist for the Office of Champagne, she is deeply committed to a future where wine is accessible to more people.

She can be found on Twitter: @tammy and Instagram: @tammygordon, usually posting about food, drink, travel and her dog, Ike.

For more information:

https://frichettewinery.com/

Instagram: @frichettewinery

For more information:

1340 Beer Wine and Spirits: https://www.1340bws.com/

Derrick C. Westbrook: https://www.derrickcwestbrook.com/

Instagram: @1340bws

                  @derrickcwestbrook

For more information:

http://www.3parkswine.com/

Instagram: @3parkswine

For more information:

https://www.abbeycreekvineyard.com/

Instagram: @abbeycreekwine

For more information:

Shall We Wine:

https://shallwewine.com/

Instagram: @shallwewine

YouTube: Shall We Wine

For more information:

The Urban Grape:

http://theurbangrape.com/

Instagram: @urbangrape

Innovation, Technology and Hope

Website: https://www.purplecorkscrew.com/

Instagram: @purplecorkscrewwine

In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Santiago Navarro of Garcon Wines.  We speak to Santiagoabout: 

Santiago’s Bio

Santiago Navarro is a serial entrepreneur who first entered the magical world of wine professionally in 2010. His first venture, Vinopic Wines, was an online retailer and the world’s first retailer to use science to rate and score wines for their intrinsic quality. It was while building this business, and when shipping wines through the complex supply chains required for digital sales, that Santiago realised that the 19th century round, glass bottle might be the biggest issue in wine and that advancing wine packaging into the 21st century might represent the industry’s biggest opportunity. Many years later, and having co-founded a travel business in between, he started working on developing a 21st century wine bottle. Santiago is now fully focused on Garçon Wines, as CEO and lead co-founder, targeting the 35 billion bottles used annually in wine and advancing both the wine and packaging industries to be more sustainable through innovative, beautiful, flat bottles and game-changing transit packaging. Santiago is a firm believer in Sukari’s mission to make wine more approachable.

For more information:

https://www.garconwines.com

Social Media:

Instagram: @garconwines

Facebook: @garconwines

Twitter: @garconwines

LinkedIn: @garconwines

Resources:

https://www.thebenevolent.org.uk/

In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Thomas Price of Jackson Family Wines.  In this episode we speak to Thomas about: 

• Food and Wine scene in Seattle
• Never Giving Up!
• Wine Education
• And so much more……………

Thomas’ Bio 

Thomas Price has been in the Hospitality Industry for his entire adult life. Thomas was born in Pasadena, California in 1965. His family moved to Alaska when he was 7. Thomas’ first restaurant job was as a Dishwasher at a diner in Juneau at the age of 14. By 18, Thomas was the day Lead Cook at an upscale burger house called Harry’s in Anchorage. Thomas moved into the front of the house as a Server and Bartender upon turning 21. His passion for wine was instantaneous, and was fueled by a stint as a Server at Zeppo’s, an Anchorage wine bar, and wait shifts at their parent restaurant, The Marx Brothers Cafe.

     Thomas moved to Seattle in 1988, where he met his lovely wife, Jessica. Jessica shares Thomas’ passion for food and wine, and they both worked at some of Seattle’s most notable restaurants of the era, (Dahlia Lounge, El Camino, Etta’s Seafood, The Santa Fe Café).

     In 1997, Thomas and Jessica opened their own restaurant, Luau Polynesian Lounge, in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood. In 2004, Thomas and Jessica decided to pursue other challenges, and sold Luau.

     Thomas decided to attempt to obtain his Master Sommelier certification, the highest standard for wine and spirit sales and service in the world. Thomas began as a waiter at Seattle’s Metropolitan Grill, and obtained his Basic Sommelier certification in September of 2004.

     In 2005, Thomas was promoted to a Sommelier/Captain position and in 2006 he obtained his Certified Sommelier certification. Thomas was approached by Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse to be the Wine Director for it’s Seattle and Bellevue stores. He was there until 2007, and returned to The Metropolitan Grill as a Sommelier. In September of 2007, Thomas passed his Advanced Sommelier certification on the first try, and became eligible to sit The Master Sommelier Exam.

     In June of 2008 Thomas was named Head Sommelier at The Metropolitan Grill. Thomas obtained his Master Sommelier certification in May 2012.  Thomas is dedicated to sharing his passion for wine with his guests, friends, and loved ones, one bottle at a time.

For more information:

https://www.jacksonfamilywines.com/

https://www.mastersommeliers.org/

In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Tuanni Price of Zuri Wine Tasting.  We speak to Tuanni about: 

• Wine Tasting
• Growing a Wine Business on two Continents
• SOUTH AFRICA
• And so much more……………

Tuanni’s Bio

Tuanni Price is on a mission to make the complicated world of wine simple.  In fact, that is the motto of her wine lifestyle business, Zuri Wine Tasting. The self-proclaimed wine enthusiast curates’ wine-filled lifestyles from Southern California to the Southern-most part of the globe in Cape Town, South Africa.
Tuanni uses her brand, Zuri Wine Tasting, to host private tastings, teach wine tasting classes and host wine tours.  In addition, she produces small to large scale wine experiences for corporate and non-profit clients.

Tuanni grew up in South Central Los Angeles and was not exposed to wine early in life. She was in her 30’s when her interest in wine peaked.  One evening while dining at the St. Regis Hotel, she was snubbed by the Sommelier. From that moment on her goal was to learn and share as much as possible about wine and its accompanying lifestyle, enabling her to help others avoid that feeling of intimidation. Tuanni started a wine club with her friends, she studied with the Society of Wine Educators and North American Sommelier Association.  Tuanni has traveled the world sipping and learning about wine. Tuanni made a bold move in 2018 to expand her business to Cape Town South Africa, spending part of each year contributing to the vibrant and exciting wine industry there. Zuri Wine Tasting now offers its services to clients and wine lovers in both the US and South Africa.

Today, aside from managing the day-to-day operations and event planning on behalf of Zuri Wine Tasting, Tuanni also host a podcast, aBroad Drinking Wine. She volunteers for PYDA (Pinotage Youth Development Academy), Blacc Cellar Club in Stellenbosch and the US-based AAAV (African American Vintners Association). She holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts from Grambling University.

Society of Wine Educators
North American Sommelier Association
Grambling State University, B.A. Liberal Arts

The Last Sip:

When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist?

For more information:

https://www.zuriwine.com

Social Media:

Instagram: @zuriwinetasting

Facebook: @zuriwinetasting

Resources:

http://www.societyofwineeducators.org/

https://www.nasommelier.com/

https://www.gram.edu/

As a second-generation sommelier and restauranteur from Chicago, Philippe Andre has been on the cutting edge of wine and cuisine for fifteen years.  He developed a passion for hospitality, wine education and Champagne early in his career.  Before his U.S. Ambassador role with Charles Heidsieck, Philippe focused on wine auction curation, luxury wine and spirits brand development, and private client management.  In addition to  his Champagne travels Philippe serves on the board of the United Sommelier Foundation in the support of future Sommeliers. 

In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Donae Burston Founder and CEO of La Fete du Rosé.  In this episode we speak to Donae about: 

• Rosé, Rosé, Rosé !!!!!
• Lessons from Corporate America
• Marketing to the Community
• And so much more……………

Donae’s Bio  

Donae Burston is a luxury wine & spirits leader with over 15 years of industry experience.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Donae achieved a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Mathematics from Clark Atlanta University in 1998. He concurrently completed a second degree in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Tech, before he began his career in the information technology sector, initially consulting on Healthcare Systems. In 2003, Donae entered the alcohol industry, working on the promotional side of a number of iconic brands in the U.S, before he joined the luxury group, LVMH. During his 10+ years with the company, he worked across brands such as Dom Perignon, Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart, Moet & Chandon, Belvedere Vodka and Hennessy Cognac. While with LVMH, in 2011, Donae created the first-ever luxury champagne bar in a sports arena at American Airlines Arena during the Miami Heat’s championship run. In 2016, Donae became the Regional Director of the Southeast U.S, Caribbean and Latin America regions of Armand de Brignac Champagne in which he was responsible for the brand’s commercial and marketing goals in each territory. While with Armand de Brignac, he achieved a 206% increase of sales in the Southeast U.S. for the brand.

Throughout his career, Donae found that in general, the wine industry was not embracing the multicultural consumer (in messaging, marketing/event participation, social media, etc). As an African-American man himself, he wanted to create a quality product inspired by his zest for life and travel that honed in on catering to the margin that had been overlooked, particularly when it came to rosé. With a commitment to create a St. Tropez rosé that is both authentic and exceptional, in 2017 Donae went directly to the esteemed Domaine Bertaud Belieu winery. After several trips and a number of blending and tasting sessions, in summer 2019, La Fête du Rosé was born - a brand that speaks to all demographics with a focus on targeting the multicultural audience; hence the name “La Fête” – which translates to “the rosé party” – one that everyone is invited.

Donae splits his time between Miami and Atlanta, where he lives with his fiancée and their 2 year old son, Noah. 

For more information: 

https://lafeterose.com/

Social Media:

Instagram: @lafeterose

Facebook: @lafeterose

In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Victoria Robinson of Topaz Vineyards.  In this episode we speak to Victoria about: 

• Family!!!!!
• Buying her first Tractor
• Growing Grapes in Florida
• And so much more……………

Victoria’s Bio 

Topaz Vineyards intends to build a corporation whereby skilled consultants will match performance expectations to industry realities. Our company will initially span 28+ acres of rich agriculture including but not limited to: Muscadine grapes, cultivated into a rich, sweet Moscato and a Prosecco; various fruit trees that will be infused to create Vix Sangria and our signature fruit wines; a hybrid Tempranillo blend conducive to the changing climate and similar soil conditions to its native Spain;  a 3.5 acre natural fishing pond for clients who desire to fish and will be created as a Pay-Pond; a commercial kitchen/restaurant that will house “Isabel Kitchens”, which will be used to conduct cooking classes including but not limited to: catering to dining clientele, making vinegar, jelly and creating generational recipes passed down from familial generations, from earth to table. A Tasting Room & Store that will boast the finest wines from Minority and Diverse Vintners across the country (The Minority Room) and wine-related products from local and various vendors.  A wellness spa: will boast various steaming rooms, massage parlor and facial room with signature Angel Hill Wellness Spa products such as the Merlot Facial Mask made from red wine, mineral clay and honey, Sangria Sugar Body Scrubs and Signature Perfumes. A Cigar Bar. On additional 50 acres, a 9-hole executive golf course.  Finally, the last structure in plans are building condo-style timeshare properties to give individuals the opportunity to stay and enjoy the property at extended amounts of time while renting their time out to others when not utilized. 

For more information: 

https://www.topazvineyards.com/ 

Social Media:

Instagram: @topazvineyards and @vlcenterprises

Facebook: @topazvineyards

Twitter: @topazvineyards

In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with TJ Douglas of Urban Grape.  In this episode we speak to TJ about: 

• The Boston Food and Wine Scene!!!!!
• Natural Wine
• Drink Progressively
• And so much more……………

TJ’s Bio 

TJ Douglas is the owner of The Urban Grape, a ground-breaking and wildly popular wine store in Boston. The store concept is simple, but revolutionary – Drink Progressively. Their Progressively Shelving system of sorting wine by its body, instead of by varietal or region, brings ease and unexpected surprise to customers, and business is booming as a result. The Urban Grape has won multiple accolades as Boston’s Best Wine store from both Boston Magazine and The Improper Bostonian, as well as a 50 on Fire award from BostInno, an innovation think tank in the city. In 2018, Vinepair named The Urban Grape the top retail store in the North East. In 2019, UG was profiled in Food & Wine magazine and was named a Top 100 Wine Retail Store in America by Beverage Dynamics.

As the wine buyer, head sales person, and architect of Progressive Shelving for The Urban Grape, TJ is directly responsible for the stores’ successes. He has been profiled by Boston Magazine, Boston Common, The Boston Globe, The Boston Herald, The Improper Bostonian, Massachusetts Beverage Journal, and Terroirist, and has been featured on Dining Playbook (NESN), New England Living (CBS), Chronicle (WCVB), French Oak TV, and How2Heroes. Thanks to TJ’s leadership, The Urban Grape was also called “Boston’s Revolutionary Wine

Store” in a cover story for Beverage Dynamics. He has taught classes on drinking progressively at, among other places, the Boston Center for Adult Education, Boston University, and the Boston Wine Expo. He’s the co-author of The Urban Grape’s bestselling wine education book Drink Progressively, and the resident wine expert on the New England life style show, “Home, Life, and Design.”

TJ is an active member of his community, serving on the Board of Trustees of The Fessenden School and Summer Search Boston. He is dedicated to increasing diversity in the wine industry especially by creating job opportunities for people of color. He lives in Boston with his wife and two sons.

For more information:

https://www.theurbangrape.com/

Social Media:

Instagram: @urbangrape

Facebook: @urbangrape

Twitter: @urbangrape

Resources:

https://www.mastersofwine.org/en/meet-the-masters/profile/index.cfm/id/c9b9a043-5e4b-e211-a20600155d6d822c

http://www.sportelloboston.com/cat-silirie

https://www.amazon.com/Drink-Progressively-White-Light-Full-Bodied/dp/194061158X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=drink+progressively&qid=1571275498&sr=8-1

In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Akash Patel of Akash Winery.  In this episode we speak to Akash about: 

• Everything Temecula!!!!!
• Working with Family
• Building a Winery in a growing area
• And so much more……………

Akash’s Bio

Akash Winery & Vineyards is owned and operated by the Patel Family, Ray, Nalini and Akash. With a life long dream of owning their own winery, The Patels invested in a parcel of land in the beautiful Temecula Valley Wine Country in 2010.

The story of the Winery begins at the vineyard. Located in the heart of Temecula’s Wine Country, off of Calle Contento, the vineyard stretches across a 20 acre parcel where the Patels, Winemaker Renato Sais, and the winery staff give the vines the upmost care all year long. Working together, learning and understanding viniculture, curating the perfect grape & vine, and learning the wine business have become a huge passion for the team.

100% estate grown & single vineyard, Akash wines are developed with passion and sophistication. The wines showcase familiar varietals in contemporary, eye catching packaging, and are crafted with consistency of style and quality across all vintages.

The Akash Winery & Vineyards tasting room officially opened mid 2019, though the Patels also hope to open a resort, spa, events venue, and bed & breakfast in the coming years.

From the Patel Family to yours, we hope you enjoy our story and the wine that we produce. 

For more information: 

https://akashwinery.com/ 

Social Media:

Instagram: @akashwinery

Facebook: @akashwinery

Twitter: @akashwinery 

Resources:

https://www.temeculawines.org/

In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Shalini Sekhar of Ottavino Wines.  We speak to Shalini about: 

Shalini’s Bio

A former musician, Shalini turned from her Master’s Degree in Flute and Piccolo Performance to a career in wine. After completing her studies at Fresno State University in Enology and Viticulture, she began her journey into winemaking marrying the same combination of art and science that fueled her passion in music. Her experience with boutique producers and Pinot Noir dates back to her time at William Selyem. What followed  was a series of steps into the custom crush world where she began working with small clients to execute their visions for their boutique brands beginning with Copain Custom Crush (now Punchdown Cellars), then Bluxome Street Winery, and finally ROAR wines, where she made wine for Waits-Mast Family Cellars, Furthermore Pinot Noir, Neely Wine and several smaller brands. In 2015 she was awarded Winemaker of the Year at the San Francisco International Wine Competition for her work with Furthermore Pinot Noir. She continues to make wine for Waits-Mast and Neely. When Shalini is not at the winery or in the vineyard, she is busy studying for her WSET Diploma and chasing after her two small children.

The Last Sip:

When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist?

For more information:

https://www.ottavinowines.com

Social Media:

Instagram: @ottavinowines

Facebook: @ottavinowines

Resources:

https://www.waitsmast.com/

https://www.williamsselyem.com/

http://punchdowncellars.com/

http://www.bluxomewinery.com/

https://www.roarwines.com/

https://www.neelywine.com/

https://www.newsweek.com/next-great-wine-regions.com

In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Lloyd Davis of Corner 103 Winery.  In this episode we speak to Lloyd about:

• Everything Sonoma!!!!!
• Wine Tasting
• Transitioning from Finance to Wine Making
• And so much more……………

Lloyd’s Bio:

Lloyd Davis created Corner 103 as a result of his passion for wine and recognizing that most people are intimidated by it. At Corner 103, they love to share their passion for food and wine and the Sonoma Valley lifestyle. Their concept is simple, to celebrate the local bounty by making elegant/award-winning wines, sharing delicious food prepared by local partners, and creating a warm and welcoming space where guests can relax, slow down and enjoy the finer things in life! They are ranked as one of the top 10 best wineries in the country by USA Today and have 5-star ratings on Yelp and Trip Advisor.

Originally from New York City, Lloyd spent over 30 years in the Banking and Finance industry. He grew up in a family that regularly enjoyed wine with meals. Throughout the years his love of wine grew. While working in the finance industry, Lloyd entered the wine world in 2001 as a financial advisor for a major New York Wine Retailer. He soon fell in love with the art and science of winemaking. In 2006, he became the Managing Partner at Viansa Winery. Under his leadership, Viansa flourished and produced wines that earned over 500 wine competition medals. Lloyd sold Viansa in 2013 and turned his eyes to building a wine brand of his own. In April 2015, he established Corner 103, which draws its name from the location and address of the tasting room. His goals were to (i) create an environment where his guests would feel comfortable learning all aspects of wine in a non-intimidating way; (ii) continue his track record for producing approachable, awarding winning wines; and (iii) demonstrate the proper way to pair wine with food. He wants his guest to understand that they are a “wine expert”! This is because everyone knows what they like and don’t like. Too many people rely on their “wine expert” friends to tell them what is good. But in reality, no one needs anyone to tell them what they like and don’t like!

Lloyd is committed to continuing his track record for producing very approachable, award winning wines and making Corner 103 a “must visit” for all wine lovers, whether expert or novice, coming to Sonoma Valley. When you finish this experience, you be able to impress your friends with the depth of your wine knowledge!

For more information:

https://www.corner103.com/

Social Media:

Instagram: @corner103

Facebook: @corner103

Resources:

https://www.laweekly.com/here-are-10-products-for-smuggling-alcohol-into-concerts/

https://www.sonomacounty.com/

In this episode we speak with Jamel Freeman a Sommelier residing in Chicago. Jamel and I speak about:

• All things NYC
• Transitioning in the hospitality industry
• The difference between the NYC and Chicago wine and dining scene
• Taking are of yourself in the hospitality industry

I hail from NYC as a Queens kid (South Ozone Park), I began my career in a few unknown kitchens of lower Manhattan.  Eventually, I moved to the left coast, Bay Area where I worked at Michael Mina's Aqua.  Family matters caused a move back to NYC where I arrived with a curiosity of food and history.  My curiosity lead to learning to mix a stiff drink and some of the stories behind how the beverages came to be.  But wine created a bigger draw.  I was given a chance off the street to wet my palate in some of Brooklyn's boutique wine shops.  Before long I was back in restaurants on the floor this time preaching the gospel of good juice.  I haven't looked back…

For more information:

Social Media:

Instagram - @jafreeman

In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Tonya Pitts of One Market. Tonya and I speak about:

• Wine and Food scene in San Francisco
• Working on the floor of One Market
• How to deal with wine trends while running a wine program
• And so much more……………

Tonya’s Bio

Tonya Pitts has been in the food and beverage industry for over 20 years. Her career started in St. Louis, Missouri as a host during college. Tonya was very fortunate to be surrounded by nurturing food and wine professionals who realized that she had a palate. Tonya’s Fine Art studies relocated her to the Bay Area and a new chapter was born. Tonya’s first job in San Francisco was with Chef Judy Rodgers at Zuni Cafe and Chef Jeremiah Tower at Stars Restaurant as a server. Needless to say, Tonya only paints for fun now. After three years, Tonya was running the wine program for Loretta Keller at Bizou Restaurant. It was with Loretta Keller that Tonya realized her true passion for wine. Tonya has worked in many notable houses in the bay area and has been featured in Wine & Spirits Magazine, Tasting Panel and numerous news and industry publications. She is also a judge for the San Francisco International Wine Competition and is a tasting panelist for Wine and Spirits Magazine. Tonya is currently pursuing wine studies with the Court of Master Sommeliers and continues to educate herself and others on the world of wine.

For more information:

https://www.onemarket.com

Social Media:

Instagram: @noirsommelier

Facebook:@tonyapitts

Twitter: @noirsommelier

https://www.inconnuwine.com/bio.html

https://www.donkeyandgoat.com/our-story

https://abalancedglass.com/

In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Chevonne Ball, founder of, Dirty Radish.  In this episode we speak to Chevonne about:

• GAMAY, GAMAY, GAMAY!!!!!
• Wine and Food scene in Portland
• Lyon and Beaujolais in France
• And so much more……………

Chevonne’s Bio

Recently named a Rising Star by SevenFiftyDaily, Chevonne Ball is a lover of all things Gamay. First bewithched by this intriguing grape almost ten years ago when she studied gastronomy and viticulture in Lyon France, she combines her experience of almost twenty years in fine hospitality with her passion to share the magic of Lyonnais culture and cuisine with her self-made business, Dirty Radish Travel Company.

For more information:

https://www.dirtyradish.com/

Social Media:

Instagram: @dirty_radish

Facebook:@dirtyradish

Email: bonjour@dirtyradish.com

In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Rajat Parr.  We speak to Rajat about: 

• Mentorship
• Chardonnay and Gamay
• Santa Barbara County
• And so much more……………

Rajat’s Bio

Partner/Proprietor, Sandhi, Domaine de la Côte; Evening Land Vineyards 

Co-founder of Domaine de la Côte, Rajat is a three-time James Beard Award winner and regarded as one of the world’s foremost experts on wine.  

A trained chef, Rajat grew up in Calcutta, India, before journeying to the United States where he graduated from the Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park. It was at the CIA where his interest in wine took hold. After graduation, Rajat chose to pursue the cellar instead of the kitchen, venturing to San Francisco to join the staff of Rubicon, the renowned wine-focused restaurant of Master Sommelier Larry Stone. Rajat quickly rose in the ranks, becoming a protégé of Stone. Here he honed his wine knowledge and tasting skills, while beginning a career that would see him become one the world’s most celebrated sommeliers. 

Raj eventually left Rubicon to take over the wine program at San Francisco’s landmark Fifth Floor restaurant before moving to join chef Michael Mina as wine director of that chef’s eponymous restaurant. The Mina Group would eventually spawn over 20 restaurants across the country, wine programs all overseen by Rajat. During this period winemaking began to evermore capture his imagination. 

Eternally fascinated not just with the taste of wine, but the question of why it tastes the way it does, Rajat not only frequently traveled to European wine regions; he also made use of his proximity to California wine country, becoming close with several of California’s top winemakers. This ultimately translated into bottling his own wines. At first these were blends selected from wines produced by others, but in short time Raj became more deeply involved—calling picking times, overseeing fermentations, etc. As vineyards and winemaking became ever more an obsession, Raj made the transition from sommelier to producer. 

During this period, he became closer to Santa Barbara County winemaker Sashi Moorman, as they found mutual interest in pushing the boundaries of California wine, every vintage seeing how much earlier they could harvest to achieve more balanced alcohols, racier acidity, and purer flavors. In 2011, Rajat and Sashi launched Sandhi, producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from select vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills.  In 2013, they released wines from his new estate vineyard, Domaine de la Côte, located on the westernmost edge of the Sta. Rita Hills. Most recently, in early 2014, Rajat and Sashi took over the historic and acclaimed Seven Springs Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills of Oregon. 

Beyond his wineries, today Raj has also co-authored the James-Beard-Award winning book Secrets of the Sommeliers (with Jordan Mackay), their new book The Atlas of Taste. He also co-founded the trend-setting California non-profit wine group, In Pursuit of Balance. He lives in Santa Barbara, though he can still be found frequently traveling the world speaking, educating, tasting, and obsessively learning.

The Last Sip:

When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist? Bill Evans, Duke Ellington, John Coltrane and Miles Davis 

For more information:

Social Media: 

Instagram: @rajatparr

                    @sandhiwines

                    @evening_land

                    @domaniedelacote

Facebook:  @rajatparr

Twitter:      @rajatparr

https://www.eveninglandvineyards.com/

http://sandhiwines.com/

https://domainedelacote.com/

https://www.rajparrwineclub.com/

https://bibijisb.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Sommeliers-Atlas-Taste-Field-Europe/dp/0399578234

https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Sommeliers-Think-Worlds-Professionals/dp/158008298X

https://www.ciachef.edu/

https://www.michaelmina.net/restaurants/

https://www.linguafranca.wine/People/Larry-Stone

As the wine buyer, head sales person, and architect of the Progressive Scale for The Urban Grape, TJ is directly responsible for the store’s successes. He has been profiled by the New York Times, Food & Wine, Imbibe, Real Simple, Health magazine, MarketWatch, Eater National, Boston Magazine, Boston Common, The Boston Globe, The Boston Herald, Boston Business Journal, The Improper Bostonian, and Terroirist, among other regional and national publications. The Beverage Journal named TJ one of ten “Black Drink Innovators to Watch” in 2020. TJ has been featured on shows such as Basic Black (WGBH), The Hub Today (NBC), Dining Playbook (NESN), New England Living (CBS), and Chronicle(WCVB), and is a frequent guest wine educator at corporate meetings and retreats.

Thanks to TJ’s leadership, The Urban Grape was a finalist for Wine Enthusiast's 2020 Wine Star Award for Best Retail Store in the US, and was called “Boston’s Revolutionary Wine Store” in a cover story for Beverage Dynamics. He has taught classes on drinking progressively at, among other places, Christopher Kimball's Milk Street, the Boston Center for Adult Education, Boston University, and the Boston Wine Expo. TJ is a seven-time returning Sommelier for the Nantucket Wine Festival and has been featured as the resident wine expert on the New England lifestyle show, “Home, Life, and Design.”

TJ sits on the boards of the Fessenden School and Summer Search Boston and is the founding member of the Boston Black Golf Association.

In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with David Brown of Brown Estates.  We speak to David about: 

• Family Legacy
• Farming the land
• Zinfandel
• And so much more……………

David’s Bio

David Brown developed an interest in farming and agriculture as a teenager, and he was introduced to viticulture at the age of 15 when his parents planted their inaugural 10-acre zinfandel vineyard in 1985. With the family focus always on organic and sustainable farming practices, he learned all about vineyard cultivation and management, and moved into the position of vineyard manager in 1994. 

Initially, the family sold all of their fruit to neighboring Napa Valley wineries, including Green & Red, T-Vine, Monticello, and Grgich Hills, however, with encouragement and support from his family, David began experimenting with winemaking in the root cellar at their estate property in 1995. This successful experiment led to the establishment of the Brown Estate label in 1996, and David worked under the tutelage of Duane Dappen of D-Cubed Cellars to create the early vintages of Napa Valley Zinfandel, their flagship wine. 

As the 10-acre vineyard grew into 50 acres of planted vines, the family constructed the Estate winery in 2002, and David assumed total responsibility for winemaking. He is at the helm of all aspects of Brown Estate winegrowing - from vineyard to harvest to barrel to bottle. David and his family proudly celebrated their 30th consecutive harvest of the Brown Estate vineyards in 2018. 

The Last Sip:

When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist? 90’s Hip Hop – Eric B & Rakim and Public Enemy, KRS-One

For more information: 

https://www.brownestate.com

https://browndowntown.com

Social Media:

Instagram: @brownestate

Facebook: @brownestate

Twitter: @brownestate

In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Michael McClendon of Sage’s Vintage.  We speak to Michael about:

• Everything Texas Wine!
• The science of wine
• Supporting Community
• Sage’s Vintage
• And so much more………….

Michael's Bio

Hailing from rural East Texas from the Prairie Creek community, Michael C. McClendon attended The University of Texas at Tyler as a Faulconer Scholar.  After joining the Kiepersol Enterprises as a laboratory intern in 2008, he quickly rose to lead the wine production team.  McClendon had the opportunity to learn from industry professionals such as the late Ken Fuglesang and Lisa Van de Water.  In 2010 McClendon toured the Maipo, Colchagua, and Clos Apalta valleys in Chile to aid in the continuation of the artisanal winemaking style being cultivated in Texas.  Recently Michael led the winery to Top Texas Winery at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Uncorked Wine Competition.  In 2014 Michael worked a harvest season as a consultant enologist for Pacific Rim Enology Services in Marlborough, New Zealand.  There he lived terroir and understood better how to use his skills in the laboratory.  While wine writer and author of The Wine Slinger Chronicles Dr. Russ Kane recently named Michael as a Young Turk of Texas Wine, McClendon believes that the winemakers in Texas are all innovative and breaking away from traditional constraints with thoughts of wine producing regions and styles.  He has grown to become more involved in the East Texas wine community as a board member for the Piney Woods Wine Trail, as well as in starting a custom crush facility to better serve the burgeoning Texas wine industry.  In 2017 Michael partnered with a former grower to start Sages Vintage where they help new and established wineries with everything from special processes to complete wine production from grape to bottle.  The wines being produced there are still bringing in gold medals and class championships.  Michael enjoys being active in the community serving on a number of boards and advisory committees.  Socially he enjoys being with his friends and family, and working out.

The Last Sip: When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist? UGK, Switcher House, Slim Thug, Scarface

For more information:

https://www.sagesvintage.com

Social Media:

Facebook - @michaelmcclendon

@sagesvintage

Twitter: @TheMcClendon

Email: sagesvintage@gmail.com

Resources:

https://texaswinetrail.com/

https://www.txwines.org/

https://txwinelover.com/

In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Charles Springfield of The Wine Stylings.  In this episode we speak to Charles about:

• Entertaining in college with boxed wine
• Wine and food pairings
• The food and wine scene in Harlem
• Writing a wine focused book!
• And so much more……………

Charles’ Bio 

CHARLES SPRINGFIELD is a certified sommelier and wine educator in New York City where he developed a tailor-made lifestyle marketing company focusing on his approach to wine, events and joie de vivre (the joy of living). He specializes in matching the right wines with the right people and the right occasions: teaching wine classes, hosting wine events and promoting overall wine appreciation.

Prior to falling headfirst into the wine business, Charles was an award-winning journalist and public relations executive. As a print journalist, he began his career as general assignment reporter at the Pulitzer-prize winning Times-Picayune daily newspaper in New Orleans. He has written columns and covered everything from crime to health to entertainment and lifestyle feature stores.

In the public relations field, he has worked primarily in the consumer marketing/lifestyle realm at three advertising agencies and one boutique public relations firm.

Now he is using his unique approach to marketing communications, “life styling” experience and his love of wine to provide guidance on appreciating, understanding and enjoying wine in ways people never imaged possible.

Most recently, Charles has worked with a wide range of brands and companies including New York Vintners, Veuve Clicquot, The House of Burgundy, Wine.com, Adega Wines and Spirits, The Wine Riot and Corkbuzz Wine Studio. In 2017, he was featured as one of the Top 40 Black/African American Sommeliers in the country by LinkedIn. And in early 2018, he launched a YouTube channel focused on all-things wine and wine-related called “Maneuvering Wine with Style.”

Charles holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree of science degree in Mass Communication, both obtained from Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi.

He is also certified by the Sommelier Society of America based in New York City.

The Last Sip:

When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist? JAZZ – Nancy Wilson, Phyllis Hyman, Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughan, John Coltrane, Dexter Gordon

For more information:

https://www.charlesspringfield.com/the-wine-stylings/

https://www.thewinestylings.campsite.bio/

Social Media:

Instagram: @charlesspringfield

Facebook: @charlesdionspringfield

Twitter: @thewinestylings

Resources:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFZUfUKHP-4Hbo7WnInDGQ

https://sommeliersocietyofamerica.org/

https://www.vinaterianyc.com/

https://harlemhops.com/

https://www.barawine.com/

https://www.redroosterharlem.com/

https://www.ginnyssupperclub.com/

https://winefolly.com/review/orange-wine/

https://www.bottlerocket.com/

https://www.wosa.co.za/home/

https://winefolly.com/review/the-best-wines-to-try-from-chile/

https://pasowine.com/

https://www.newyorkwines.org/

In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Chris Christensen of Bodkin Wines.  In this episode we speak to Chris about: 

• Sauvignon Blanc!!!!!
• Realizing how you learn and teaching yourself
• Sparkling Wine
• And so much more……………

Chris’ Bio  

Bodkin Wines was founded by Chris Christensen, an Iowa native, in 2011. His passion for aromatic wines and winemaking led him to create America’s first Sauvignon Blanc with bubbles. In 2013, Andrew Chambers, an Oregon native, joined the brand and they purchased 24 tons and made 1,100 cases of their award-winning Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc. 

Since that time, Bodkin Wines has produced over 15 varietals of wine, eleven of which were scored at 90 points or higher by Wine Enthusiast. They are consistently growing, year after year, but are determined to keep their presence small and unique. Bodkin Wines is still 100% owned by both Chris and Andrew, two guys living and working hard in Sonoma County. 

For more information: 

https://www.bodkinwines.com/ 

Social Media:

Instagram: @bodkinwines

Facebook: @bodkinwines

Twitter: @bodkinwines

In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Myles Franklin of Julian Wines.  In this episode we speak to Myles about:

• The marriage of Art and Wine
• The joy of entertaining
• The Story of Julian
• Distribution
• And so much more……………

Myles' Bio

Founded by award-winning television producer and filmmaker Myles J. Franklin, Julian Wines is quickly expanding to become one of the industry’s most celebrated new wine labels.

Led with artistic vision and business finesse, Julian Wines represents simple luxury with an emphasis on the artistic lifestyle experience. This concept is echoed throughout the brand, with subtlety and imagination.

Since its inception in 2009, Julian Wines has focused on highlighting artists and their work across various creative mediums. In 2016, Julian Wines launched its special edition initiative, turning its labels into a canvas, giving artists a platform to showcase their work, and truly make “Every bottle, a masterpiece!”.

Julian Wines is currently distributed online to over 30 states, and is poised to move from a regional brand to one that is nationally recognized and enjoyed.

The Last Sip:

When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist?

Lounge Music, Atmospheric, Electronica, Jazz

For more information:

https://www.julianwines.com/

Social Media:

Instagram: @julianwines

Facebook: @julianwines

Twitter: @julianwines

Resources:

https://musicians.allaboutjazz.com/rickyhopkins

https://www.amazon.com/Bella-Ros%C3%A9/dp/B07B1HLNLN

In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Derrick C. Westbrook.  In this episode we speak to Derrick about: 

Derrick's Bio:

A love for people and passion for spirits has served as the driving force behind Derrick C. Westbrook’s journey into the wine industry. The Chicago-based sommelier has led a successful career in wine over the last 10 years, with numerous accomplishments and accolades along the way. Before turning 30, Westbrook became the Beverage Director of the Michelin-starred, Elizabeth Restaurant in Chicago, and later served as Manager and Head Buyer of 57th Street Wines in Hyde Park. In 2018, he was recognized for his professional contributions by Wine Enthusiast magazine, landing him a spot on their coveted 40 Under 40 list. Today, Westbrook serves as Sommelier & Service Manager for Bibliophile Gastropub & Public House, where he curates seasonal menus that introduce unique wine varietals, from regions around the globe. He also owns and operates Derrick C. Westbrook LLC, a company that hosts pop-up wine-tastings, dinners and develops beverage programs for some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. Throughout his career, Westbrook has remained dedicated to simplifying the wine discovery process for newcomers. He’s combined his love for wine and music to create his signature, Samples & Samples event series, a unique tasting experience for residents of Chicago and across the U.S. Through both traditional and experiential learning, Westbrook takes his extensive knowledge of wines and makes it accessible and relatable for the everyday connoisseur.

The Last Sip:

When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist? Big K.R.I.T, Chance the Rapper, Jay-Z, O’Jays, Gallant, Gin Joint Music, String Instrument Concerto’s

For more information:

https://www.derrickcwestbrook.com

Social Media:

Instagram: @derrickcwestbrook

Facebook - @derrickcwestbrook

Twitter: dcwestbrook_

Instagram: @bibliophile.us

Resources:

https://www.bibliophile.us

https://winefolly.com/tutorial/in-search-of-the-best-wines-from-priorat/

https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/11/dining/11Pour.html

https://chwinery.com/

https://winefolly.com/review/no-cure-for-grape-phylloxera/

In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Tinashe Nyamudoka of Kumusha Wines and The Test Kitchen.  In this episode we speak to Tinashe about: 

• Chenin Blanc
• Being in the right place at the right time
• Starting at the bottom
• How wine can change your life

Tinashe's Bio: 

I have gained my extensive wine knowledge and experience in a span of 10 years. Starting all the way from the bottom as a wine waiter, working at the Roundhouse Restaurant in 2008. I rose from wine butler, assistant sommelier to sommelier during my five-year tenure (2009-2014) at the One and Only Hotel Cape Town. During this period, I worked in world-class restaurants (Maze by Gordon Ramsey, Reuben’s and NOBU) and had the opportunity to work alongside these talented chefs). I assumed position as Head Sommelier of The Oyster Box Hotel in 2014 where I was responsible for the hotel’s wine program. Under my watch the hotel’s wine list won the 2014 Dinners Club Wine List of the year. Currently I am managing the wine and beverage program at The Test Kitchen, number one restaurant in South Africa and Africa and recently named 50th on the Pellegrino 50 Worlds Best Restaurants 2018. I am a regular wine judge on various local wine competitions. 3 years for Michelangelo wine and spirits awards. 3 years at the Chenin Blanc Top 10 Challenge. 3 years for Platter’s five star panel. I have judged for World Class Bartending Regional finals for 2017 South Africa’s best mixologist. I have been featured in various local publications and even caught the eye of one of the world’s best wine critic Jancis Robinson. I have also been featured on CNN’s Africa African Voices program.

Over the years I have built strong networks and connections in the local and international wine industry. These include producers, wine sales representatives, wine distributors, wine marketers, private wine merchants, fellow sommeliers and wine writers. Using this wealth of knowledge I came up with my own wine brand KUMUSHA WINES. To date I export to the Netherlands and Zimbabwe. Hopefully in the near future the wine will be available in Mauritius, USA and the UK. I’m passionate about learning and always improving and broadening my skills. I also endeavor to help nature and mentor young talent in the wine industry. 

Other Positions 

     Board Member – South African Sommelier Association 

     Board Member – BLACC (Black Cellar Club)  

     Wine Tasting Panelist - Wine of the Month Club 

     Independent Wine Judge 

     Brand Ambassodor – Liqourama Victoria Falls 

     Wine Columnist – FastJet Flight Magazine 

Qualifications 

    Wine Diploma – Cape Wine Academy 

    WSET - Level 3 

    Wine Business Management – GSB  UCT 

    Certificate – Michael Fridjhon Wine Judging Academy 

Achievements

Best Wine Service – 2016 Mercedes Benz Eat Out Top 20 Restaurant Awards

    Best Wine Steward – 2013 Showcook Inter-Hotel Challenge 

100 Inspiring and Aspiring Leader in South Africa – 2016 Young Independents 

Team Zimbabwe 2017 & 2018– World Blind Tasting Championships (France)

The Last Sip: 

When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist? Reggae

For more information:

Social Media:

Instagram: @tinashe_nyamudoka and @kumushawines

Facebook: @Kumusha Wines

Resources:

https://www.winemag.com/2018/01/24/s3e2/

https://www.thetestkitchen.co.za/home/

https://www.winemag.com/gallery/black-cellar-club-blacc-south-africa/

https://wine.co.za/contact/contact.aspx?CONTACTID=6561&SPOTLIGHTID=104

https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2018/08/06/african-voices-zimbabwean-sommelier-tinashe-nyamudoka-wine-vision-a.cnn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmQtvBee2RU

https://za.linkedin.com/in/tinashe-nyamudoka-6098b33a

https://www.wineofthemonth.co.za/the-wine-press/40_panel-tinashe-nyamudoka

https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tinashe_Nyamudoka

https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/sowetan/20180927/281651076034163

http://zimbabwedigitalnews.com/2018/05/03/there-are-wine-tasters-and-wine-judges-and-then-there-is-zimbabwes-tinashe-nyamudoka/

https://www.winemag.com/2015/09/02/7-questions-for-sommelier-tinashe-nyamudoka/

https://www.vivino.com/wineries/kumusha

https://www.businesslive.co.za/fm/life/food/2018-01-25-wine-top-picks-from-a-top-sommelier/

In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Breana Royal of Ernest & Julio Gallo.  In this episode we speak to Brenae about: 

• Drinking Apothic Red and watching Jeopardy
• Having a “seat at the table”
• Tending to 132 year old vines
• Surviving Harvest
• Knowing that she is exactly where she is supposed to be

Brenae's Bio 

Brenae Royal grew up in the town of Atwater, in California’s Central Valley. “I come from a family of teachers and doctors, so when I started raising pigs, my family thought, where did she fall off?” Brenae says, laughing. When asked about her first farming memories, she recalls picking weeds and planting flowers with her grandmother. “My grandmother has a ginormous garden.” As the Vineyard Manager for the 575-acre Monte Rosso Vineyard on the eastern hills of Sonoma Valley, one the most acclaimed winegrowing sites in California, Brenae might have her grandmother beat.

Brenae put her passion to action at a young age, joining 4-H at 12 and becoming an officer in the Future Farmers of America when she was 17. The program took her all over California and immersed her in a world she knew she wanted to be a part of for the rest of her life. Brenae studied Crops and Horticulture Science at California State University, Chico and during her senior year, after developing a palate for bold red wines, decided to pursue a career in viticulture.

She joined E. & J. Gallo Winery in 2013 as an Operations and Viticulture Intern and quickly established a relationship with an important mentor, winemaker Deborah Juergenson. “Deb started out as one of the first few women winemakers in a very male-dominated field. It’s been amazing to have her as a mentor, both professionally and personally,” Brenae says. “Viticulture is still very male-dominated, so to drive more inclusion and diversity is very much an uphill battle.” It’s a battle that Brenae has done anything but back down from. Since joining Gallo, Brenae has farmed Monte Rosso Vineyard with increasing levels of responsibility. In addition to her internship, Brenae also served as Viticulture Technician for 11 months before being named Vineyard Manager in 2015.

Monte Rosso is home to some of the oldest producing grapevines in California and has garnered a near- mythic reputation among winemakers. “When I started, it was intimidating. Here I am as this 24-year-old coming into to manage Monte Rosso, a world-renowned vineyard and one of the oldest in the state. It’s difficult and complex. Our vines range from four months old to over 130 years old, so it’s a lot to take on, but I love it,” she says. “We’ve brought a lot of technology and innovation to the vineyard, so much so that we can be farming up to three different wines within the same block.”

Mount Peak Winery, like Brenae, is singularly focused on expressing Monte Rosso’s uniqueness. “When our winemaker Mark Williams visits, it’s not uncommon to hop in my truck and then hike into his favorite blocks. It’s a hands-on approach to winemaking, and he’s very honored to work with the fruit.” When asked how Monte Rosso’s distinct terroir shows up in the bottle, Brenae quickly answers. “Acidity,” she declares, “and minerality and spice.” Part of the vineyard’s mystique is that its signature qualities seem impervious to producer and variety. “You can taste Monte Rosso wines blind and recognize them immediately,” she adds. Brenae is doing everything in her power to keep it that way. “My goal is always to preserve what is special about Monte Rosso,” she says. “Hopefully it will be producing for another 132 years.”

The Last Sip:

When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist? Alabama Shakes, Bee Gee’s and 90’s R&B

For more information:

Social Media:

Instagram: @_cabrenae 

Resources:

https://historicvineyardsociety.org/vineyard/monte-rosso

http://www.gallo.com/

https://winefolly.com/update/moon-mountain-ava-mountain-cabernet/

https://www.alabamashakes.com/

In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Jermaine Stone, The Real Wolf of Wine and CEO of CRU Luv Selections.  In this episode we speak to Jermaine about: 

• Competing on 106 and Park
• How to start at the beginning and rise to the top
• Tasting some of the finest wines in the world at the age of 20
• Starting Cru Luv Selections

Jermaine's Bio  

A Bronx native, Cru Luv Wine's President and CEO Jermaine Stone was raised worlds away from wine country with plans to become a rapper. By age 19 he had already made appearances on XM Radio, BET and Hot 97, and had the attention of prominent figures in music including Chris Lighty and LL Cool J. 

A temporary job packing boxes in the shipping department at Zachys Wine Auctions, though, persuaded him to make a career in fine wine. There, Jermaine would begin an accomplished 9-year career with them, learning the intricacies of fine wine warehousing and shipping, client service, and auctioneering. He rose to the position of Logistics Manager, overseeing the inbound and outbound transport of $60 million worth of fine wine annually. 

In 2013 Jermaine left Zachys to become one of the founding Directors of Wally’s Auctions, the New York-based subsidiary of a major Los Angeles wine retailer. At Wally’s, he used talents and expertise in auctioneering, operations, and business development to co-create and implement the full client experience, including the auction website and online bidding application; live simulcast auction bidding; warehousing of collections for sale; and distribution and fulfillment of client purchases. In addition to these major operational roles, he served as an auctioneer and public speaker at commercial and charity auctions and provided strategic advice to Wally’s President and Vice President. 

After leaving Wallys, Jermaine founded Cru Luv Selections, a New York-based creative agency dedicated to blending the best elements of wine and hip hop culture through; brands, media and tastings that highlight the two arts at their highest levels. 

The Last Sip:

When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist? Trap Music 

For more information:

https://www.cruluvwine.com/

Social Media:

Instagram: @therealwolfofwine

Facebook: @cruluvselections

               @jermainestone

In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Jermaine Stone, The Real Wolf of Wine and CEO of CRU Luv Selections.  In this episode we speak to Jermaine about: 

• Competing on 106 and Park
• How to start at the beginning and rise to the top
• Tasting some of the finest wines in the world at the age of 20
• Starting Cru Luv Selections

Jermaine's Bio 

A Bronx native, Cru Luv Wine's President and CEO Jermaine Stone was raised worlds away from wine country with plans to become a rapper. By age 19 he had already made appearances on XM Radio, BET and Hot 97, and had the attention of prominent figures in music including Chris Lighty and LL Cool J.

A temporary job packing boxes in the shipping department at Zachys Wine Auctions, though, persuaded him to make a career in fine wine. There, Jermaine would begin an accomplished 9-year career with them, learning the intricacies of fine wine warehousing and shipping, client service, and auctioneering. He rose to the position of Logistics Manager, overseeing the inbound and outbound transport of $60 million worth of fine wine annually.

In 2013 Jermaine left Zachys to become one of the founding Directors of Wally’s Auctions, the New York-based subsidiary of a major Los Angeles wine retailer. At Wally’s, he used talents and expertise in auctioneering, operations, and business development to co-create and implement the full client experience, including the auction website and online bidding application; live simulcast auction bidding; warehousing of collections for sale; and distribution and fulfillment of client purchases. In addition to these major operational roles, he served as an auctioneer and public speaker at commercial and charity auctions and provided strategic advice to Wally’s President and Vice President.

 After leaving Wallys, Jermaine founded Cru Luv Selections, a New York-based creative agency dedicated to blending the best elements of wine and hip hop culture through; brands, media and tastings that highlight the two arts at their highest levels.

The Last Sip:

When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist? Trap Music

For more information:

https://www.cruluvwine.com/

Social Media:

Instagram: @therealwolfofwine

Facebook: @cruluvselections

                @jermainestone

Thomas’ entrance into the wine industry was created during a 1999 wine tasting trip to the Burgundy wine region in France.  At the time he was a senior financial executive for a large biotechnology company and prior to going on that tasting trip, Thomas never dreamed of owning his own vineyards and making wine.  It was that wine tasting trip in 1999 that altered his dreams, and led him to chart a new course in life… a life in the wine industry as a vintner.  With the new found enthusiasm driving him forward, in 2001, Thomas was able to purchase a 40-acre parcel of land to begin the process of constructing that new future.

Located in The Anderson Valley, a cool climate wine appellation in south western Mendocino County, Thomas T Thomas Vineyards began with Thomas first developing the property and building a home, and in 2008, planting a 3-acre pinot noir vineyard.  Also, in 2008, Thomas built a winery next to the vineyards, with the understanding that one day he would produce and store his own wine there. In 2011 with his first commercial crop, Thomas began selling his grapes to small local wineries that made wines from his grapes.  Since Thomas didn’t have a background in the wine industry, he thought it prudent to take the long view, learning about the wine business from the ground up and he also wanted to see how his grapes performed in the hands of experienced wine makers.  From 2011 until 2017, Thomas was a grape grower only, when in 2017, Thomas decided to take a small portion of his grape production to forwardly integrate and create his own wine brand; A decision that was always part of his long-range plans.  Starting in 2018, Thomas stopped selling his grapes to third party wineries and now he takes 100% of his production for his own brand.  Currently, Thomas makes four different pinot noir wines, where three wines are produced from 100% estate fruit and the fourth wine has a mix of non-estate fruit.  Starting with the 2020 vintage, Thomas has added a Chardonnay wine offering, which he sources from quality vineyards in Anderson Valley and Thomas has also cleared additional land for a future planting of estate chardonnay.

In his short time in the wine industry, as grower, wines made from Thomas’ grapes have been recognized wining multiple Gold, Silver and Bronze medals at prestigious International Wine Competitions and also receiving multiple 90+pt scores by well known wine magazines.  In his short time as a vintner, Thomas’ wines have already received multiple 90+pt scores and have received Platinum, Silver and Bronze medals at recent International Wine Competitions.

Check out this episode with Sukari and Shomari recapping The Color of Wine podcast for 2018 and talking about what to expect for 2019 and Season 5!!

In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Wanda Cole-Nicholson, Founder of VinBev.  In this episode we speak to Wanda about: 

• Riesling
• Transitioning from one career to another in the same industry
• Studying for the Master Sommelier exam
• Seeking high quality wine at a lower price point
• And so much more………….

Wanda's Bio 

Through her culinary experiences working as a Sommelier, Wanda Cole-Nicholson has been inspired to create pairings that showcase the complexities of different cuisine. She has crafted and implemented beverage list and wine and spirits training programs. Her education includes Advanced Sommelier Certification from The Court of Master Sommelier's and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Missouri in Spanish. She plans to sit for the Master Sommelier exam in 2018.

She has been fortunate to have worked for many of Chicago’s world class establishments and institutions including ¡Salpicón!, Kendall College, Mercat a la Planxa, NaHa, and BR Guest Restaurants.  In October of 2009 she created Vinterpretation offering wine consulting, education, and event planning.  After several years of working multiple facets of the business with experience in tow, she was inspired to continue the next phase of her consulting career via the creation of Dallas-based VinBev.  When not working, studying, or home making, she enjoys tasting wines from all over the world, as well as educating others on the joy of wine and spirits.

The Last Sip:

When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist? Pandora Stations – Incognito and Brand New Heavies, Roots

For more information:

www.vinbev.com

Social Media:

Instagram: @vindiva7

Facebook: @wanda cole-nichloson

In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Cha McCoy of Cha Squared Hospitality.  In this episode we speak to Cha about:

• Growing up in Harlem
• Experiencing different cultures through food
• Her Eat Pray Love Moment
• Living La Bella Vita
• The amazing wines of Portugal

Cha's Bio

Cha McCoy is the Chief Visionary Officer and Founder of CHA Squared Hospitality  LLC, a lifestyle company with a focus on Tourism and Gastronomy.  In 2012, she achieved her MBA in Italy; an opportunity which led her to drink and eat in close to 20 countries. As a former expat, she has fostered wine relations and created experiences in the following wine regions globally: Italy, France, USA (California and NY), Chile, Argentina, South Africa, and Hungary.

Her admiration for wine lead her to study as a wine professional, achieving Certified Sommelier Level with the Court of The Master Sommeliers, WSET  Level 2 Wine & Spirits Award  and WSET  Level 3 Advanced Certification in Wine. She is a public speaker, curator and host for intimate wine experiences with a stellar track record of supporting and building with Small Business Owners in gastronomy which ignited her event THE COMMUNION.  A pop up wine tasting and food pairing experience that led the invitation to prepare the wine menu for the James Beard's House, Thanksgiving Dinner of 2017.

As trained civil engineer, she developed her career as a Real Estate and Construction Project Manager. Her extensive portfolio includes but not limited to; Interior Renovations, New Construction and Green Building and clients include Luxury Fashion Brands, High End Residential and Museums. She is also co-founded The Culture Bazaar, a blog whose mission is to connect people through culture immerisve experiences. The Last Sip: When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist? Anderson Pak, HER and For the Turn-Up – Migos

For more information:

www.chamccoy.com

For Information and Tickets to Cha’s next Communion and to sign up for updates for her next Wine Club installment, please see the following link: https://www.chamccoy.com/events/

Social Media: Instagram: @cha-squared Facebook: @Chasquaredproject

• Growing up in Harlem
• Experiencing different cultures through food
• Her Eat Pray Love Moment
• Living La Bella Vita
• The amazing wines of Portugal

• Party Planning at 12 Years Old
• Ah Ha Moments
• Advice for budding and existing Entrepreneurs
• Self-Care

1. If money were no object, what bottle of wine would you splurge on? Chateaunef-de-Pape
2. Who would you love to share a bottle with, living or deceased? Dad
3. What are some of the things you do or read to keep up to speed on what is happening in the wine industry? Visit Wineries, Keven Zraly – Windows on the World Wine Course, Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator, Food and Wine Magazine and Bon Appetite
4. What advice would you give you your 22 year old self? Focus on your interest and learn how to say “No” more.
5. When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist? Big Band, Vocal Jazz, Bossa Nova, Parisian Music, Salsa

• Not Sure = Pinot Noir
• Life Balance
• Mediation
• Martini’s
• So much more!

1. If money were no object, what bottle of wine would you splurge on and why? Sir Churchill by Pol Roger
2. Who would you love to share a bottle with, living or deceased? Oprah, Barack and Michelle Obama, Nelson Mandela and Maya Angelou
3. What are some of the things you do or read to keep up to speed on what is happening in the wine industry? Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator, Washington Post, NY Times
4. What advice would you give you your 22 year old self? Drink More Wine, Work on Balance
5. When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist? No Music, Silence or Miles Davis and Nina Simone

• Growing up in Napa Valley
• Learning from Dad
• Working in the Vineyard
• Being a “Wine Guru”
• So much more!

1. If money were no object, what bottle of wine would you splurge on? Any Bottle! Cash-In!
2. Who would you love to share a bottle with, living or deceased? Vicente Fernandez
3. What are some of the things you do or read to keep up to speed on what is happening in the wine industry? Talk to the Vineyard and Field workers at the surrounding wineries and vineyards.
4. What advice would you give you your 22 year old self? Nothing, Leave it as it is. Life Happens.
5. When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist? One glass of wine and a few beers! Vicente Fernandez

• Pound The Pinot (#PTP) and The No Dump Crew (#NDC)
• Wine Is My Passport™
• Unlocking the Nose
• Members Mark Champagne from Sam’s Club
• Wine Clue Wednesday
• So much more!

• Completed the Introductory Sommelier Course through the Court of Master Sommeliers
• Wine & Spirit Education Trust Level 2 with Distinction
• Certified Specialist of Wine Certification, Society of Wine Educators

1. If money were no object, what bottle of wine would you splurge on and why? Vintage Champagne
2. Who would you love to share a bottle with, living or deceased? Mom
3. What are some of the things you do or read to keep up to speed on what is happening in the wine industry? winebusiness.com
4. What advice would you give you your 22 year old self? Get in the wine industry earlier
5. When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist? Robert Glasper, Alina Baraz, Mint Condition, 90’s R&B

• Communion
• Knowing your Ministry
• Distribution
• So much more!

1. If money were no object, what bottle of wine would you splurge on and why? – I would hire a Wine Broker to find the most expensive bottle of vintage Champagne.
2. Who would you love to share a bottle with, living or deceased? Wine - Barak Obama Spirits – Lenny Kravitz and Bono
3. What are some of the things you do or read to keep up to speed on what is happening in the wine industry? Wine Spectator, Love and Vines, Cuisine Noir and Google Searches
4. What advice would you give you your 22 year old self? Leave that girl alone! Save more, Patience, Plan more for the long term
5. When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist? Sade, 90’s R&B, Hip Hop (in the car)

In the sixth episode of our fourth season we had the pleasure of speaking with Martin Reyes MW of Peter Paul Wines! In our conversation we talked about:

• The journey to becoming an MW (Master of Wine)
• Being the First!
• Purchasing Behavior in the Retail Space
• Diversity and Inclusion
• So much more!

Martin’s Bio: A first-generation American, Martin is the first Master of Wine of Mexican descent and one of only 47 MWs in the country. With a 16-year career as a respected buyer, importer, and educator, he has held influential roles in many sectors of the industry. Martin’s wine story began with an over-indulgent Parisian dinner as a Stanford undergrad and, by 2003, he was stocking shelves at K&L. In 2011, Martin became the principal buyer for an importer operating prominent wine club programs including The New York Times and Williams-Sonoma. His importing team was profiled in The Tasting Panel Magazine, and he was named one of Wine Enthusiast’s Top Forty under Forty Tastemakers in 2015. Today, Martin continues to work across the full supply chain, from winery management and production (Peter Paul Wines), to consulting for a range of businesses including luxury Napa Valley brands (Vice Versa Wines, Spottswoode Estate), importers (Copa Fine Imports) and software companies (Vivino.com). More recently, he launched Reyes Selections, a small East Coast-based portfolio of imported wines culled from his past travels. Martin also holds a Diploma in Wine & Spirits and is a Certified Wine Educator.  In his free time, he attempts to become fluent in a fifth language and raises his daughter trilingually, together with his wife in Vallejo, CA. The Last Five Sips:

1. If money were no object, what bottle of wine would you splurge on and why? 1965 Krohn Port
2. Who would you love to share a bottle with, living or deceased? Thomas Jefferson
3. What are some of the things you do or read to keep up to speed on what is happening in the wine industry? TASTE! Master Classes, Miningers, Trade Tastings
4. What advice would you give you your 22 year old self? Start with Wine now! Buy all of the Screaming Eagle you can!
5. When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist? Spotify, Discovery Weekly playlist

How you can connect with Martin online and on Social Media: Website: https://www.peterpaulwines.com/about Instagram: @reyeswine.mw Resource Links: https://www.mastersofwine.org/en/meet-the-masters/profile/index.cfm/id/61b6a043-5e4b-e211-a20600155d6d822c http://krohn.pt/our-port-wines/classic-vintage-port/ https://www.monticello.org/site/research-and-collections/wine https://www.meininger.de/en/wine-business-international https://www.wsetglobal.com/ https://www.cawg.org/ http://www.viceversawine.com/people

Chicago native Brian Duncan can be best described as a food, wine and hospitality evangelist. He possesses an unquenchable enthusiasm enriched by decades as a restaurateur, winemaker, seminar speaker and wine educator. Duncan has contributed his expertise to several Chicago’s premier dining destinations, including (Co-Founding) BIN 36 Restaurants, BIN Cafe Wine Bar and Market and A Mano Trattoria.

As a winemaker, Brian created the BIN 36 and D&S (Duncan & Sachs) wine brands sold in 30 markets around the United States. Under his guidance, BIN 36 received an “Award of Unique Distinction” from the Wine Enthusiast magazine for its commitment to delivering the most wine-friendly experience to its guests. BIN 36 was also chosen by Wine & Spirits magazine as “The Best Wine-Pairing System” in the nation. Brian's accolades include being featured as one of America's leading wine experts in GQ and Food & Wine magazine, and as a returning featured speaker at the Aspen Food & Wine Classic.

Brian was honored as the Gourmet Wine Cellar Wine Director of the Year, and received four consecutive James Beard Award nomination in the national "Outstanding Wine Service" category.

In 2015, Duncan created "Down To Earth Wine Concepts LLC", a multifaceted consulting company encompassing the culmination of his career experience and expertise in Public speaking, hospitality, food and wine training, interactive wine/food seminars and corporate team building exercises.

In the fifth episode of our fourth season we had the pleasure of speaking with Martin Reyes MW of Peter Paul Wines! In our conversation we talked about:

• The journey to becoming an MW (Master of Wine)
• Being the First!
• Purchasing Behavior in the Retail Space
• Diversity and Inclusion
• So much more!

Martin’s Bio: A first-generation American, Martin is the first Master of Wine of Mexican descent and one of only 47 MWs in the country. With a 16-year career as a respected buyer, importer, and educator, he has held influential roles in many sectors of the industry. Martin’s wine story began with an over-indulgent Parisian dinner as a Stanford undergrad and, by 2003, he was stocking shelves at K&L. In 2011, Martin became the principal buyer for an importer operating prominent wine club programs including The New York Times and Williams-Sonoma. His importing team was profiled in The Tasting Panel Magazine, and he was named one of Wine Enthusiast’s Top Forty under Forty Tastemakers in 2015. Today, Martin continues to work across the full supply chain, from winery management and production (Peter Paul Wines), to consulting for a range of businesses including luxury Napa Valley brands (Vice Versa Wines, Spottswoode Estate), importers (Copa Fine Imports) and software companies (Vivino.com). More recently, he launched Reyes Selections, a small East Coast-based portfolio of imported wines culled from his past travels. Martin also holds a Diploma in Wine & Spirits and is a Certified Wine Educator.  In his free time, he attempts to become fluent in a fifth language and raises his daughter trilingually, together with his wife in Vallejo, CA. The Last Five Sips:

1. If money were no object, what bottle of wine would you splurge on and why? 1965 Krohn Port
2. Who would you love to share a bottle with, living or deceased? Thomas Jefferson
3. What are some of the things you do or read to keep up to speed on what is happening in the wine industry? TASTE! Master Classes, Miningers, Trade Tastings
4. What advice would you give you your 22 year old self? Start with Wine now! Buy all of the Screaming Eagle you can!
5. When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist? Spotify, Discovery Weekly playlist

How you can connect with Martin online and on Social Media: Website: https://www.peterpaulwines.com/about Instagram: @reyeswine.mw Resource Links: https://www.mastersofwine.org/en/meet-the-masters/profile/index.cfm/id/61b6a043-5e4b-e211-a20600155d6d822c http://krohn.pt/our-port-wines/classic-vintage-port/ https://www.monticello.org/site/research-and-collections/wine https://www.meininger.de/en/wine-business-international https://www.wsetglobal.com/ https://www.cawg.org/ http://www.viceversawine.com/people

• Never Giving Up
• Paying it forward through mentoring
• Supporting Local Vineyards
• So much more!

1. If money were no object, what bottle of wine would you splurge on and why? – The most expensive bottle of Chianti available
2. Who would you love to share a bottle with, living or deceased? Sade
3. What are some of the things you do or read to keep up to speed on what is happening in the wine industry? Tasting, Social Media, Sommeliers, Restaurants – Touch, Feel and Go
4. What advice would you give you your 22 year old self? Stop Overthinking – Don’t take it personal – It will work out
5. When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist? Old School Hip Hop, Common, Tribe Called Quest, Robert Glasper, 90’s R&B

• After the Quake
• Jamaican Bass Player
• Wine paired with Poetry
• Bourbon
• So much more!

1. If money were no object, what bottle of wine would you splurge on and why? 1989 Domaine Laflaive Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru
2. Who would you love to share a bottle with, living or deceased? Toni Morrison
3. What are some of the things you do or read to keep up to speed on what is happening in the wine industry? Wine Enthusiast
4. What advice would you give you your 22 year old self? Stay the course
5. When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist? Erykah Badu, Jill Scott and Tracy Chapman