The Wine Whirlwind

NY Wines, Sicilian Wines, Women in Wine, Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience, and more!

Growing up, I would daydream about a life full of travel, meeting interesting people, and enjoying the finer things in life, but I had no clue how to make it happen. All those hours spent watching Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous, with its aspirational mantra of “Champagne wishes and caviar dreams,” wasn’t much of a strategic plan. My serious interest in wine began about twenty years ago, and I had no idea that my current career as a wine writer and presenter existed. Wine has enriched my life in many ways: intellectually, creatively, emotionally, and more. It’s a never-ending adventure, and I still get giddy when I touch the soil in a vineyard, taste wine from the barrel, and share bottles with winemakers, friends, and loved ones. Thank you all for being on this adventure with me. Cheers! 

Rhode Island Wine Experience

Last month, I traveled to Providence for the very first time for the inaugural Rhode Island Wine Experience. The festival was top-notch, and I was honored to join the Women in Wine panel. From left to right: yours truly, sommelier Jaimie Puckett, Nelly Saraiva (Brands of Portugal), moderator Ashley Moore (America’s Test Kitchen), Natalia Paiva Neves (O Dinis restaurant), Emily Saladino (writer), Johanne Killeen (Al Forno restaurant). I definitely plan on visiting Providence again and diving deeper into its vibrant culinary scene.

Channing Daughters and Red Tail Ridge Tasting at Gramercy Tavern

New York winemakers Nancy Irelan (Red Tail Ridge, Finger Lakes) and Christopher Tracy (Channing Daughters, Long Island) recently joined forces to co-host an intimate tasting at Gramercy Tavern of their respective portfolios. I’ve been a fan of these two stellar winemakers and their gorgeous wines for a long time. Both are innovators. Want to taste a delicious Lagrein Rosé or a Tocai Friulano from Long Island? Check out Channing Daughters. Craving a Teroldego or Saperavi from the Finger Lakes? Hello, Red Tail Ridge. Both wineries also make elegant expressions of Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and other classic varieties. I loved seeing the friendship between Nancy and Christopher and their commitment to showing the complexity, diversity, and drinkability of New York wines.

Women’s History Month Wines on New York Living

I had a blast toasting Women’s History Month on New York Living (PIX11) with hosts Marysol Castro and Nelson “Figgie” Figueroa. During this live television segment, I shared five wines from women vintners and observations about the role of women in the wine industry. Click here to watch the segment. Cheers! Featured Wines: Champagne Charles-Heidsieck Rosé Reserve, Sonoma-Cutrer ‘The Cutrer’ Vineyard Chardonnay, Concha y Toro ‘Terrunyo’ Sauvignon Blanc, Tesselaarsdal Pinot Noir, and Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino.

The Chef’s Lab at Refettorio Harlem

On March 31, I supported the Chef’s Lab dinner fundraiser at Refettorio Harlem, a newly renovated space inside the Emanuel AME Church built and founded by Lara Gilmore and Massimo Bottura’s “Food For Soul.” The theme was Sisterhood in the Kitchen and Beyond and featured a multi-course menu prepared by an all-star roster of women chefs. I had the honor of selecting the wines and delivering a few words at the event.

Thank you to my friends at Caparzo (Vineyard Brands), Freixenet Asti, Planeta (Palm Bay), and Zenato (Winebow) for supporting the event. And thanks to photographer Chris Min for providing proof that my teachers weren’t lying when they said I use my hands a lot when I speak!

Sipping Sicily at The Yale Club of New York City

From Mt. Etna to Pantelleria, Sicily is a wine lover’s paradise. I loved sharing some of my favorite Sicilian wines with members of The Yale Club of New York City. I showcased six sensational Sicilian wines and insights about the vibrant wine culture of the largest island in the Mediterranean. Featured wines: Benanti Noblesse Metodo Classico Brut Carricante 2021, Planeta “Eruzione 1614” Carricante 2020, COS Cerasuolo d’Vittoria Classico 2021, Le Casemaatte Faro 2021, Feudo Montoni ‘Vrucara’ Nero d’Avola 2019, and Donnafugata Ben Ryé 2022.

The SOMM Journal

I’m honored to have three articles in the April/May 2025 issue of The SOMM Journal. In my Wine With Wanda column (page 12) I spotlight the creative comfort food and high-end wine list at B&L Diner in NYC. The Terroir Hunters of Tuscany (page 50) features my interview with Antonio Zaccheo, co-owner of Carpineto winery. The Buzz in Bordeaux (page 80) is a deep dive into the 2025 Crus Bourgeois du Médoc Classification. You can find the full articles online at www.sommjournal.com. Subscriptions to the print edition are free to qualified beverage trade members.

Upcoming Events

The Wines of New York State at Astor Center (May 9)
As a native New Yorker, I am so proud of the beautiful wines produced in the Empire State. From the Finger Lakes to the North Fork, I’ll lead an in-depth tasting of some of New York's most exciting wines. Click here for ticket info. Use promo code NEWYORK for a 20% discount.

Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience (May 15-18)
I’m looking forward to attending the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience. In addition to enjoying the fabulous food, wine, and camaraderie, I’m honored to be on the panel for the Insider’s Perspective on Today’s Wine Industry trade seminar.

Food & Wine Classic in Aspen (June 20-22)

I’m honored to be heading back to the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen for the fourth consecutive year. I’ll lead two wine seminars: Let’s Get Franc: The Other Great Cabernet and Rosé Gets a Glow Up: The World of Luxe Pink Wines. Tickets are on sale now!