Podcasts about american sommelier association

On this week's episode, host Caryn Antonini is joined by Co-Founders, Rachel Imbrogno and Michelle Imbrogno Miller, who have created The Culinary Wine Camp, a food and wine luxury travel experience.Rachel has over 20 years of experience in the wine world, is certified by the Court Master of Sommeliers and has received her Viticulture level 4 Certification from the American Sommelier Association. She served as a board member of the NY Delegation of the Order of Cavalieri and Truffles of Alba from 2018-2021 and has her Masters in Italian Language from Middlebury College. She lived in Italy for 3 years as a bicycle tour guide and has been visiting her clients and friends in the Piedmont region since 2008.Michelle started her media career as an event planner for TRAVEL + LEISURE Magazine and later worked at FOOD & WINE Magazine. Having executed brand building events at Skibo Castle in Scotland, Amanpuri in Phuket, Thailand and pre-opening events at the Mondrian Hotel and the Getty Museum in Los Angeles.For more information on our guests:@culinarywinecampCaryn Antoniniwww.cultivatedbycaryn.com@carynantonini@cultivatedbycarynshow###Get great recipes from Caryn at https://carynantonini.com/recipes/

This episode features Diane Carpenter of Ross Knoll Vineyard discussing the process of preparing for retirement and producing the final vintage of her Ross Knoll wines. Her transparency and honesty is incredible to hear as she talks about the journey of planting a vineyard, starting a wine label, and ultimately deciding it's time to close that chapter and move into retirement. Diane was born and raised in the United Kingdom and moved to the United States in 1987 to be with her now husband, David. Living in New York City, she had access to some of the country's greatest wine schools and took the opportunity to learn more about the world of wine as an academic. Her first classes were with the American Sommelier Association, followed by the Society of Wine Educators and then she even started to pursue the prestigious WSET Diploma. Eventually, her education led her to the vineyard working harvests in California with winemaker, Paul Hobbs. In 2014, Diane purchased a property in Sebastopol, CA and converted an old paddock to a vineyard of 3,000 vines of Calera, Diane's favorite clone of Pinot Noir. She co-produced Ross Knoll wines with consulting winemaker Justin Seidenfeld since the first vintage in 2019, and now, after four celebrated vintages, you'll hear what decisions and life events have led to the decision to wind down in preparation for retirement. There is a very special wine, however, made in honor of the Atlanta wine community that will be released as part of the fifth and final vintage. You can follow her @yourwinestylist and @rossknollvineyard on Instagram. Recorded September 19, 2024 https://www.dianecarpenter.org/ourwines --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/acorkintheroad/support

On this week's episode, host Caryn Antonini is joined by Rachel Imbrogno, Artisanal Collection Sales East at Freixenet Mionetto USA, one of the largest sparkling wine companies in the United States. Freixenet, from Spain and Mionetto from Italy are both family-owned companies who joined forces to provide a one-stop shop for all things sparkling wine. Rachel represents Freixenet Mionetto USA Artisinal Collection, managing sales from Maine to Florida, educating and selling her portfolio to restaurants, hotels and independent wine stores. She is certified by the Master of Sommeliers and has received her Viticulture Level 4 Certification from the American Sommelier Association.For more information on our guest:Homefreixenetmionettousa.com | ###Get great recipes from Caryn at https://carynantonini.com/recipes/

Original Air Date: February 21, 2023Sandra Zotti's unofficial training as a wine expert began as a child thanks to her parents, two first-generation immigrants from Campania, Italy. Introduced to a biccherino di vino rosso by her parents, Sandra learned at an early age to enjoy half a glass of red wine at the dinner table while listening to Puccini play throughout the house, a family tradition that ignited her passion for wine and food.After a childhood full of culture and the arts, a career in the "finer things" seemed a natural step for Sandra. As a young woman in New York, Sandra trained with Kevin Zraly at his Windows on the World Wine School and studied at the American Sommelier Association, followed by a position as Director of Events for social media guru Gary Vaynerchuk's Wine Library in New Jersey.In 2015, Sandra helped to create and launch PerUs, one of Napa Valley's newest cult labels made by acclaimed winemaker and recipient of numerous 100-point scores, Russell Bevan. Sandra successfully completed the Introductory Examination into the prestigious Court of Master Sommeliers and is a Certified Italian Wine Specialist with the North American Sommelier Association.She is currently pursuing an Italian Wine Scholar Certification with the Wine Scholar Guild. "My love of wine is connected to my love of the arts," notes Sandra, who is also a gifted classical pianist having studied for three decades. Sandra fell in love with the concept of creating wine-centered events for those who want to learn, to have fun and live life to the fullest. She is available for various wine services in the tri-state area.Thank you to our sponsors:Albert & Whitney CPAs:  awcpasllc.comMayo Performing Arts Center: mayoarts.org/events-calendarNJspots: NJspots.comMinuteman Press - Westfield: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/nj...Murphy, Schiller, Wilkes: murphyllp.comContact the show: mike@greetingsfromthegardenstate.comSupport the show

Welcome to episode 1375, another episode of “On The Road Edition”, hosted by Stevie Kim. In this episode Stevie sits down with Charlie Arturaola at Wine Cube, an event organized by Partesa. More about today's guest: Since he ran away at the sound of gunfire at a soccer match and hid in an empty wine barrel Charlie Arturaola has been a wine lover. When he put his nose to the wood he smelled wine, the wine to become his life long passion. As a world-renowned sommelier, Charlie has one of the ten best palates in the world according to the American Wine Association. One sip and he can tell you the history of the wine, the soil the grapes grew in, the wood of the casket, the amount of sun the grapes enjoyed, and how long it was fermented. It's a rare gift and has served him well as he went from Santo Domingo to the Cunard Lines to Wine Director of the Boca Raton Resort and Club. Now Charlie is the president of Grappolo Blu, and speaks about, judges and assesses wine for clients around the globe. Sipping and spitting from New York to Napa, from Vienna to Beijing, Charlie informs, educates and entertains wine lovers in five languages, winning countless hearts and awards, including the Chevalier by the Ordre des Coteauz de Champagnes, and in 2012 the International Wine and Spirits Communicator of the Year. Charlie loves working with young people and mentored students of hospitality in the fine points of wine at Johnson & Wales University and Lynn University. He is also a member of the Society of Wine Educators, American Sommelier Association, Associazione dei Sommeglierie Italianne, and the American Society of Appraisers. He is on the board of directors for Toast to Humanity. Knowledgeable, convivial, and with a large following, Charlie was one of the founders and chairmen of the Mendoza Wine Festival. There he was discovered and, along with his wife, Pandora, became a movie star in a “fictional documentary,” El Camino del Vino. Find out more by visiting: https://charlieswines.com/ More about the host Stevie Kim: Stevie Kim hosts Clubhouse sessions each week (visit Italian Wine Club & Wine Business on Clubhouse), these recorded sessions are then released on the podcast to immortalize them! She often also joins Professor Scienza in his shows to lend a hand keeping our Professor in check! You can also find her taking a hit for the team when she goes “On the Road”, all over the Italian countryside, visiting wineries and interviewing producers, enjoying their best food and wine – all in the name of bringing us great Pods! To learn more visit: Facebook: @steviekim222 Instagram: @steviekim222 Website: vinitalyinternational.com/wordpress/ Let's keep in touch! Follow us on our social media channels: Instagram @italianwinepodcast Facebook @ItalianWinePodcast Twitter @itawinepodcast Tiktok @MammaJumboShrimp LinkedIn @ItalianWinePodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Sandra Zotti's unofficial training as a wine expert began as a child thanks to her parents, two first-generation immigrants from Campania, Italy. Introduced to a biccherino di vino rosso by her parents, Sandra learned at an early age to enjoy half a glass of red wine at the dinner table while listening to Puccini play throughout the house, a family tradition that ignited her passion for wine and food. After a childhood full of culture and the arts, a career in the "finer things" seemed a natural step for Sandra. As a young woman in New York, Sandra trained with Kevin Zraly at his Windows on the World Wine School and studied at the American Sommelier Association, followed by a position as Director of Events for social media guru Gary Vaynerchuk's Wine Library in New Jersey. In 2015, Sandra helped to create and launch PerUs, one of Napa Valley's newest cult labels made by acclaimed winemaker and recipient of numerous 100-point scores, Russell Bevan. Sandra successfully completed the Introductory Examination into the prestigious Court of Master Sommeliers and is a Certified Italian Wine Specialist with the North American Sommelier Association. She is currently pursuing an Italian Wine Scholar Certification with the Wine Scholar Guild. "My love of wine is connected to my love of the arts," notes Sandra, who is also a gifted classical pianist having studied for three decades. Sandra fell in love with the concept of creating wine-centered events for those who want to learn, to have fun and live life to the fullest. She is available for various wine services in the tri-state area.Thank you to our sponsors:Albert & Whitney CPAs:  awcpasllc.comMayo Performing Arts Center: mayoarts.org/events-calendarNJspots: NJspots.comMinuteman Press - Westfield: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/nj...Murphy, Schiller, Wilkes: murphyllp.comContact the show: mike@greetingsfromthegardenstate.comSupport the show

Laurie Forster The Wine Coach® Laurie Forster is one of America's leading wine experts and author of the award-winning book The Sipping Point: A Crash Course in Wine. Laurie is a Certified Sommelier, National Speaker and TV personality who is not afraid to tell you her first wine came from a box. Her edgy approach to demystifying wine caught the eye of major networks and led her to guest appearances on The Dr Oz Show, FOX Morning News, Martha Stewart Living Today and ABC News at Noon. Laurie regularly speaks across the country where she edutains a client list that includes MetLife, Discovery Channel, Microsoft, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, LG Electronics, National Association of Catering Executives, American Cancer Society and McCormick & Company to name a few. Laurie has performed her comedic wine tasting at locations nationwide including Carolines on Broadway, DC IMPROV, Caesars Atlantic City and recently as a headliner for the 2018 HBO Women in Comedy Festival. Forster is also the host of The Sipping Point and her mobile application “The Wine Coach” was listed as one of the Top 8 Wine Apps in Wine Enthusiast. A former software sales executive, Laurie's wine career began in Manhattan where she studied with the American Sommelier Association to obtain her certificate in Viticulture and Vinification. Laurie has since earned an Advanced Certificate with Merit from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET). She has also trained with the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/freeman-means-business/support

MJ's guest today is celebrated sommelier Marquita Levy. Marquita was featured in the New York Times article written by Eric Asimov on Black Wine Professionals. She was one of the consulting Sommeliers for the Wine & Spirits October issue Black Rising Stars. Marquita discovered her passion for wine while waiting tables to support her dance career. When wine became her main focus, she retired from dancing in 2002. Marquita received her Vinification/Viticulture certificate and pin in 2004 from the American Sommelier Association. She has worked at many restaurants including Indochine, Al di La, Jean Georges, Colicchio & Sons, Lure Fish Bar, Bowery Meat Company, and Waverly Inn. Marquita is currently Sommelier at Red Hook Winery in Brooklyn, and is working with Jeff Porter, the mind behind Sip Trip Italy, on his new wine distribution company Volcanic Selections. In this episode, MJ and Marquita discuss how she went from dancing to wine full time, her “spiritual” experience at her first wine training, how she started buying wine, and of course, being from Chicago, a quick detour on Chicago's Deep Dish vs. New York's Thin Slice. We danced and laughed our way through this one, so get ready!A huge thank you to Marquita Levy!Follow her on IG @marquita_grapelover Check out Volcanic Selections: https://volcanicselections.com/ Follow them on IG @volcanicselections This episode's in studio wines:2018 Susanna Fabbri Chianti Classico imported by Volcanic Selections_______________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers and wine drinkers! Don't forget to subscribe and be sure to give The Black Wine Guy Experience a five-star review on whichever platform you listen to.For insider info from MJ and exclusive content from the show sign up at Blackwineguy.comFollow MJ @blackwineguy Thank you to our sponsor Acker Wines! Listeners of the show will receive $25 off purchases of $100 or more with code BWG25 at checkout. (Retail store only) Love this podcast? Love the cool content? Get a producer like mine by reaching out to the badass team at Necessary Media. www.necessarymediaproductions.com@necessary_media_ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Have you ever tasted a wine "blind"? Do you even know what that means?  Marika Vida, a longtime wine director for The Ritz-Cartlon in NYC and now known as The Mom Somm, explains how to taste wines "blind" and why doing so will help you understand why you like the wines you like, and empower you to explore beyond your comfort zone. You'll also learn how to host an incredibly fun blind wine tasting party for your friends. About Marika Vida For the past decade, Marika Vida has been one of the most in-demand, highly respected wine professionals in the business. She has served as Wine Director of The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park; Sommelier of the top-rated Laurent Tourondel Bistro BLT Market; Sommelier for the Philadelphia Ritz Carlton with ‘Top Chef' Winner Kevin Sbraga. She also developed the opening wine program at 10Arts with Chef Eric Ripert and Chef de Cuisine Jennifer Carroll. Under the auspices of her new consulting firm Vida et Fils, she most recently consulted as the Wine Director of The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park. Her most recent project there was the critically acclaimed Phenomenal Femmes Program, which featured female winemakers from around the globe, including a popular dinner series. Marika also consults for Architectural Digest and Wines of Provence. She was recently the Consulting Sommelier for The Essex House JW Marriott New York. Marika is currently a Wine Educator for the famed Argentine Winery Catena Zapata and she is a member of the Full Circle Sommelier Network, working with Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein on projects for Wines of Argentina, Brazil, Portugal, Soave and Monterey programs. She has served on Eric Asimov's Tasting Panel for the New York Times and been featured on Barrons.com for romantic wine picks. Marika's work as Wine Director and Sommelier includes much more than simply developing, managing, and selling the wine programs. Her enthusiasm for wine, unique ability to convey knowledge to consumers, and background in broadcast journalism have lead to the creation of some of the most popular, enjoyable seasonal programs to which consumers have access. These include The Ritz Carlton's wine and chocolate pairing course “Chocolate Takes Flight with Marika Vida,” the Viking Culinary Center's “Pairing Wine with Tricky Ingredients,” and a number of charity events, notably a highly successful, 5-course pairing menu with Chef Laurent Tourondel for the charity “Autism Speaks to Wall Street: 4th Annual Celebrity Chef Gala.” She also has served as a judge for the Starchef Sommelier Competition and Wine Director for the James Beard Foundation Book Broadcast and Journalism Awards. She is a Member of Les Dames d'Escoffier New York. In addition to her hotel and restaurant work, Marika is passionate about enhancing the wine education of consumers and colleagues alike. To that end, she has instructed for the American Sommelier Association in New York and the French Wine Society. She holds titles of Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers and the American Sommelier Association. She is a Certified Specialist of Wine with the Society of Wine Educators and holds the Advanced Certificate for the Wine and Spirits Education Trust. She is currently enrolled the WSET Diploma program. Marika is that rare wine professional who has successfully worked in nearly all aspects of the business. She started her career in the competitive wine-auction world, honing her skills and knowledge as Marketing Director for prestigious Sotheby's and their then retail partner Alden Cellars and was Cellar Manager for premier New York retailer, Morrell & Company. She also works with corporate clients, aiding them in the development of menus and wine pairings for special events. Clients include Glaxo-Smith-Kline, NYSE, Prologis, IMG, Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCoy, R.R. Donnelley among many notable others. With her highly regarded reputation and unique ability to connect with everyone she encounters, Marika continues to work at the forefront of the wine industry, helping to shape it for other professionals and connect it more intimately to consumers. It's an all too rare combination in this highly competitive industry. Connect with Marika Websites: http://www.themomsomm.com/ | https://marikavida.com Instagram: @themomsomm (https://www.instagram.com/themomsomm/?hl=en) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marika.vida.9 Twitter: @Marika_Vida (https://twitter.com/@Marika_Vida/) Have a question, comment, or idea for an upcoming episode? Email me at joe@insidewinepodcast.com or leave a voicemail at 917-727-9242 You can also find more wine, food, and entertaining tips at the home of Inside Wine Podcast - https://Wine365.com Listen to Inside Wine Podcast on the Wine365 app, it's available in the iTunes store and on Google Play. If you enjoy this episode please be sure to subscribe (it's free!) and also pass along to a friend, thank you!

MJ’s guest this week is Kerin Auth Bembry. Kerin is co-founder of La Luz Selections based in New York City and LA. A wine broker and veteran in the Spanish wine industry, Kerin has conducted several classes regularly around New York at Murray’s Cheese, the Astor Center and the American Sommelier Association. Kerin has participated many times on the New York Times tasting panel and has been quoted in other magazines such as Wine and Spirits, Fine Cooking and Culture. MJ and Kerin go off the rails in this incredible interview that only just skims the surface of the exquisite rich history of Spanish and Portuguese wines. With a combined 50 visits to both countries, Kerin knows a thing or two and is here to share her passion with MJ. Grab a glass, pop a cork and get cozy for this one folks. A huge thank you to Kerin Auth Bembry!Follow La Luz Selections on IG @laluzselectionsDiscover La Luz Selections producers and partners at: https://www.laluzselections.com/This episode’s in studio wine:Blanc D’Orto BrisatLa casilla__________________________________________________________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers and wine drinkers! Don’t forget to subscribe and be sure to give The Black Wine Guy Experience a five-star review on whichever platform you listen to.For insider info from MJ and exclusive content from the show sign up at Blackwineguy.comFollow MJ @blackwineguy Thank you to our sponsor Wine Spies! Get a discount for being a listener of the show by going to: www.winespies.com/blackwineguy Love this podcast? Love the cool content? Get a producer like mine by reaching out to the badass team at Necessary Media. www.necessarymediaproductions.com@necessary_media_From our supporter: The Conaway Fund (a component fund of The Prosperity Foundation) supports cultural and heritage events, scholarships, mentoring programs and more. Go to https://www.theconawayfund.org/ and see how you can donate and make a difference in underserved communities. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As partner of the unique wine supplier R Squared Selections, Ryan Mills-Knapp knows the ins and out of sourcing especially hard to find bottles of wine. This week, Ryan returns to In The Drink to talk about the fascinating world of rare wines. Ryan’s career began in 2004 when he moved to New York City to pursue his interest in the wine and spirits industry. At his first job as a server at Amuse, he helped the wine director assemble the wine list. The restaurant also hosted American Sommelier Association classes in the space, so he was able to further his knowledge of wine. He moved on to become the beverage director at chef Waldy Malouf’s Beacon Restaurant where he curated the wine selection, and was put in charge of the liquor and beer programs. At Beacon, he began his real wine education, learning about producers, vintages and styles. In 2006, he was hired as beverage manager at Jean-George Vongerichten’s Spice Market and oversaw the cocktail, beer and wine lists, before joining Drew Nieporent’s Myriad Restaurant Group as head sommelier at Corton and Tribeca Grill. Throughout his years in the restaurant industry, he met members of the Craft restaurant family. These relationships led him to join the team at Colicchio & Sons as beverage director in 2012. In the Drink is powered by Simplecast

Laurie Forster is one of America's leading wine experts and author of the award-winning book The Sipping Point: A Crash Course in Wine. Laurie is a Certified Sommelier, National Speaker and TV personality who is not afraid to tell you her first wine came from a box. Her edgy approach to demystifying wine caught the eye of major networks and led her to guest appearances on Dr Oz, FOX Morning News, Martha Stewart Living Today and ABC News at Noon. Laurie regularly speaks across the country where she edutains a client list that includes MetLife, Discovery Channel, Microsoft, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, LG Electronics, National Association of Catering Executives, American Cancer Society and McCormick & Company to name a few. She's performed her comedic wine tasting at legendary locations like Carolines on Broadway, DC IMPROV, Caesars Atlantic City, Harrah's Casino, City Winery NYC & Chicago and Broadway Comedy Club. Forster is also the host of The Sipping Point and her mobile application “The Wine Coach” was listed as one of the Top 8 Wine Apps in Wine Enthusiast. A former software sales executive, Laurie's wine career began in Manhattan where she studied with the American Sommelier Association to obtain her certificate in Viticulture and Vinification. Laurie has since earned an Advanced Certificate with Merit from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET). She has also trained with the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seattle born Morgan Harris made his way to NYC and jumped into the wine game full time in 2011. He cut his wine teeth with Master Sommelier Laura Maniec at Corkbuzz Wine Studio, did a short stint at Jean Georges before moving to Charlie Palmer's Aureole in NYC as head sommelier. Morgan was named Wine and Spirits "Best New Sommelier" holds an advanced sommelier certificate and is an instructor at the American Sommelier Association. The Grape Nation is powered by Simplecast

Alsatian born Michael Engelmann is a Wine and Spirits "Best New Sommelier", he has won the American Sommelier Association's "Best Sommelier in America" and is a Master Sommelier. Michael is one of only 14 Master Sommeliers to receive the Krug Cup, awarded to those who pass all three parts of of master Somm test on the first day. Michael Engelmann is the Wine Director at Danny Meyer's The Modern at MoMA and Untitled at the Whitney, borth in NYC. The Grape Nation is powered by Simplecast

Piora Wine Director Victoria James has worked in restaurants since she was just thirteen. While bartending during college, she took her first wine course and was instantly hooked. In 2011, she worked harvest for Michael Terien in Sonoma and then continued her studies with the American Sommelier Association in Viticulture and Vinification, as well as Blind Tasting.
 She became certified as a Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2012 when she was just twenty one. Victoria joined the Piora team in the fall of 2015. She oversees the Michelin-starred wine list featuring 400 labels from small producers in Italy, France and the United States with a special focus on Champagne and Switzerland. Here she has been named Forbes '10 innovators under 30 shaking up the NY food scene' as well as 'New York's Youngest Sommelier' by The Back Label Magazine, Wine Enthusiast's 'a 40 under 40 tastemaker of 2016' and Wine & Spirits Magazine's '2016 Best New Sommelier.'

Wine Director and Master Sommelier Michaël Engelmann joined The Modern in 2014, having previously held the role of Wine Director at the Grand Award-winning Rockpool Bar & Grill in Sydney, Australia. Michaël's accolades include “Best Sommelier in America” from the American Sommelier Association (2009), and being voted one of five “Best New Sommeliers” by Wine & Spirits Magazine (2009). In the same year, he passed the Advanced Sommelier Exam of the Court of Master Sommeliers, earning the Rudd Scholarship for his high score. In 2011, Michaël passed the Master Sommelier exam and was awarded the Krug Cup for passing all three parts on his first attempt; he is one of only 14 individuals in the history of the Court to have done so.

This week on Food Talk with Mike Colameco, Mike is joined by Jeff Harding, beverage director and sommelier for the Waverly Inn. Harding has worked in the hospitality industry for more than 20 years, as a server and bartender with such chefs at Daniel Boulud and Norman van Aken. Harding got his start in the hospitality industry working as a server at van Aken’s a Mano in Miami Beach, and it was during this time that he first discovered that food and wine culture was a reflection of history, geography, and regional culture. A move to New York, and too many years bartending at the B Bar in Manhattan’s East Village, encouraged Harding to pursue sommelier training at the American Sommelier Association and beverage management positions. He currently writes a regular column about wine for StarChefs.com, and is the beverage director at the Waverly Inn.

Food Talk is back for the 2016 radio season and host Mike Colameco sits down with three all-star guests: Victoria James, Saori Kawano & Don Gabor, and Michael Madrigale. Victoria James started working in restaurants when she was thirteen and fell in love with the industry. When bar tending during
 college she decided to take her first wine course, and the hook was instant! Becoming  a cellar-hand in downtown Manhattan at Harry’s
Cafe and Steak, in 2011 she worked harvest for Michael Terien in
 Sonoma and continued her studies with the American Sommelier 
Association in Viticulture and Vinification as well as Blind Tasting.
 She became certified as a Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2012 and has worked at the likes of Aureole, and is now at Piora in the West Village. Saori Kawano is the founder and president of Korin Japanese Trading Corp. She moved to New York from Japan in 1978 to pursue her lifelong dream of bringing Japanese knives and tableware into American restaurants and homes. She and Don Gabor co-authored the book “Chef’s Choice,” a collection of mini memoirs, featuring 22 culinary masters telling who and what motivated them to become chefs. They describe early career influences, training, favorite Japanese ingredients, tools, and the pivotal role Japanese food culture has played in their cuisine and professional development. Michael Madrigale hails from a Philadelphia area family whose five butcher shops and shared love of eating well left their mark. His food-centric Italian-American upbringing clearly prepared him for a life in restaurants. Now Head Sommelier at Bar Boulud, he headed to New York City after graduating from La Salle University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. Michael initially waited tables while looking for a job that would start him on his career path. At the time, he found himself gravitating toward the wine cellar, eager to learn more about the vintages he was pouring. “I could smell the differences in the wines,” he says. This show was brought to you by Colavita and Bourdeaux.

Growing up on the coast of Maine, Ryan Mills-Knapp worked in restaurants during summers in high school and college during the busy tourist season. Through these summer jobs, he became passionate about food and wine, which eventually led him to his current position as beverage director of Colicchio & Sons. In 2004, after spending the summer in Maine working in restaurants, he moved to New York City to pursue his interest in the wine and spirits industry. His first job in Manhattan was as a server at Amuse, an American restaurant in Chelsea, where he helped the wine director assemble the wine list. The restaurant also hosted American Sommelier Association classes in the space, so he was able to further his knowledge of wine. He moved on to become the beverage director at chef Waldy Malouf’s Beacon Restaurant where he curated the wine selection, and was put in charge of the liquor and beer programs. At Beacon, he began his real wine education, learning about producers, vintages and styles. In 2006, he was hired as beverage manager at Jean-George Vongerichten’s Spice Market and oversaw the cocktail, beer and wine lists, before joining Drew Nieporent’s Myriad Restaurant Group as head sommelier at Corton and Tribecca Grill. Throughout his years in the restaurant industry, he met members of the Craft restaurant family. These relationships led him to join the team at Colicchio & Sons as beverage director in 2012. At the restaurant, he aspires to create a diverse and approachable wine list with selections at every price point that will appeal to both aficionados and novice wine drinkers alike. His interest in aged wines is reflected on the list as well. Mills-Knapp has traveled to more than 20 wine regions exploring the diversity of wine growing around the world. Recent trips have included Tokaji in Hungary, Greek Macedonia and Southern Styria in Austria. This program has been sponsored by Heritage Foods USA. “When you’re young and you’re really excited about something, you feel like you need to educate everybody about it.” [11:00] —Ryan Mills-Knapp on In The Drink

Trend On Jessica Bell with Tamara Leigh and Heidi Feemster. Four years after starting her small, local wine school, Jessica Bell, is more excited than ever about the prospects of wine education with the evolution of her business to My Wine School. In 2000, Jessica graduated from Duke University with a degree in Economics and Spanish and went on to work for Goldman Sachs in New York City. After 3 years in New York, she decided to give the other half of her degree some use, and moved to Spain. She found work at a winery and found her true calling. Upon returning stateside, Jessica began her formal wine studies with several New York-based wine and spirit education programs. She now holds the Diploma in Wine & Spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and a Viticulture and Vinification Certificate from the American Sommelier Association. She is an accredited Spanish Wine Educator and French Wine Educator. Jessica has been invited to many French regions, funded by each respective region, to learn first-hand about the region and be certified by their respective wine boards. Jessica also has experience as a Sommelier at The Modern Restaurant in New York City and with a boutique importer for whom she sourced Spanish wines. In recent years, she has travelled to several wine-making regions from Champagne to Sherry, Maipo to Mendoza, Santa Barbara to Sonoma and most everything in between. Jessica is a co-host on the emmy-nominated television program Wisconsin Foodie, a host on Time Warner On Demand Wine Tips, and a regular contributor to the podcast "Life Between the Vines".