Why does time seem to fly faster during the summer? I started the season off with an ambitious list of things to see, taste, and do. And while that list is far from accomplished, I’ve relished this time to slow down a bit and share meaningful conversations with friends over a glass of wine.
Quoted in VOGUE
I was recently quoted in the VOGUE article, "What's a Vacation Wine?" by Nicole Kliest. You'll find my short quote at the end of the article. When asked this question, I immediately thought of the glass of Donnafugata Lighea wine I sipped in Pantelleria many years ago; this crisp and aromatic wine is made from the ancient Zibibbo grape. Nicknamed "The Black Pearl of the Mediterranean" because of its dark volcanic soils, Pantelleria is a rugged and serene paradise off the coast of Sicily; on a clear day you can see Tunisia in the distance. Savoring a chilled glass of refreshing Donnafugata Lighea on a seaside terrace in Pantelleria, the stress of everyday life is a world away. That's a vacation wine.
Star Wine List
I'm excited to announce my role as a NYC ambassador for Star Wine List, a global guide to great wine bars and restaurants.
Want to know some of the best places to drink wine in NYC? From fine dining to cozy wine bars, my Star Wine List picks showcase 14 stellar sipping spots in the Big Apple. I'll be doing updates a few times a year.
Keynote Speech at Les Dames d’Escoffier New York Scholarship Reception
Last month, I delivered the keynote address at the Les Dames d’Escoffier New York (LDNY) scholarship reception. Founded in 1976, LDNY is a collective of women leaders in all aspects of the food, beverage, and hospitality industries. Since 1977, LDNY has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships to the next generation of women leaders in our industries. As past president of LDNY, I was honored to address this year’s talented recipients. In my remarks, I shared how scholarships changed the trajectory of my life and a few lessons I’ve learned along the way, including “If you wait to be perfect, you’ll never get anything done” and “Say yes to things that scare you.” An excerpt of my speech is featured in an article by Dame Joyce Appelman for Total Food Service. Click here to read the article.
The SOMM Journal Cover Story
Writing a cover story is always exciting, especially when the subject is the iconic and charismatic Jean-Charles Boisset. I interviewed Boisset for The SOMM Journal about the 50th anniversary of Raymond Vineyards, the historic Napa Valley estate he acquired in 2009. From the socks on his feet to the wines he produces, Boisset lives life in red: “Red has that power to engage all of us towards energy, action, love.” Read my article on page 74 of the August/September issue.
Chianti Classico in New York
Move over pigeons, the elegant Black Rooster ruled NYC on a wine-filled day in April. The 100th-anniversary celebration of the Chianti Classico Consortium stands as one of my favorite events of the year. Upon arrival at The GRILL in the landmark Seagram building, trade and media guests were ushered to our assigned seats, where an all-star team of local sommeliers poured 56 wines that took us on a decades-spanning journey through Chianti Classico. The tasting kicked off with the ethereal and vibrant Barone Ricasoli 1949 Chianti Classico and ended with elegant examples of Rocca delle Macìe, Castello di Fonterutoli, and Castello di Gabbiano from 1999. Later, during the walk-around tasting, I was delighted to see many of my favorite Chianti Classico producers had flown to NYC for this grand occasion.
A few days after the tasting, I met up with Manfred Ing, winemaker for Querciabella, to taste their gorgeous wines and learn more about their long commitment to sustainability. Read all about it on page 12 of the August/September 2024 issue of The SOMM Journal.
Food & Wine Classic in Charleston
I’m looking forward to leading the Rosé Gets a Glow Up: Luxury Pink Wines seminar at the debut of the Food & Wine Classic in Charleston (September 27-29). Tickets are on sale now.
cheers,
Wanda
You are the BOMB! See you at SommCon, Cheers!
Congratulations on all of your accomplishments!