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The Certified Wino

Wine. Hospitality. Food.

In an industry filled with so many passionate, talented professionals, it is a shame that we don't celebrate their stories more often. For me, their journey is far more interesting than the places they end up. Join me as I showcase an array of inspiring hospitality professionals, and wine nerds (my people) & share education on all things wine via my personal brand: "The Certified Wino"

Cheers~

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Setting Sail with Port!

We've talked a ton about wine & food pairings on the blog, and I've noted that creating dessert pairings can be quite the challenge. The...

A Love Letter to Zin on National Red Wine Day!

Here I was thinking conversations on Chardonnay were polarizing...... Zinfandel might just have the golden child beat in that department...

27 Bottles: Zuccardi Serie A Torrontes

While all the posts in the 27 bottles series are glorified trips down memory lane, this entry feels particularly nostalgic. In my youth...

27 Bottles: Dr. Loosen Riesling

I think an Aaliyah song said it best: age ain't nothing but a number. BUT age means a little something-something when it comes to wine....

It's All About the Package

Pool season is in full swing, the grills are out, and I've got the juice you should be sippin' alongside the summer vibes. The catch? We...

A Dining Reflection

One aspect of my NYC trip that I haven't really dived into, for many, many different reasons but all equally puzzling & strange, was this...

Supper Club or Study Club?

While I've never been one to be complacent in my studies or development of my professional skills, a recent dinner series made me realize...

Peace, Love & Malbec

I love a grape that can be equal parts overrated and underrated all at the same time. A grape that can plant their flag and say: "yes,...

Art of Blind Tasting

Y'all know nothing brings me more joy than subverting expectations. When I managed restaurants, I used to blind pour tastes of crisp,...

With Love, Tuscany

Get those passports ready, we are flying to Tuscany! Well, technically we'd need to fly into Pisa or Florence first, then drive about...

Glitter in the Air: An Ode to 2023

You feel that static in the air? The sensation of beginning fresh that comes with a new year and the boundless opportunities waiting to...

A Wino's Guide to Bubbles & Beyond

If you've been keeping up with me on social media, you know I've been preaching the gospel of sparkling wine ALL month long. So much so,...

A Swashbuckling Good Time

Do you ever have that moment of guilt about not knowing something or seeing something you feel you should have? When you finally do learn...

Rhythm of Harvest

Harvest season, at least in the Northern Hemisphere, is ending folks! I’ve gotten the opportunity to work with a few different winemakers...

Wines of the Pacific-Northwest

Fall has had me in a choke hold and I don't want it to let go. Hues of brown, copper, and gold leaves dancing in the wind while I'm...

Burgers & Blues

Some folks like to get away on a holiday from the neighborhood.... others like to keep it chill and find a new beverage to pair with...

Wine Shop Tours: Chicago

Yes, this trip marks my third time in the Windy City in less than 7 months! Some might say that's crazy; some might say treat...

Are you gonna Rosé my way?

For whatever the reason may be, society loves to hate things. It’s truly a horrible quality. No need to act holier than thou behind the...

#IndustryTalks: Beverage Programs!

So you think managing a beverage program is super glamorous? Well, it is. Even with all the navigation one must do when curating for an...

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