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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 entrepreneurs, chefs, restaurant owners, and wine nerds (my people) & share my own passion for all things wine via "The Certified Wino". And maybe, just maybe, you'll understand what it means to be a hospitality professional!

Cheers~

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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,...

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...

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,...

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...

The Controversy of NA Wines

Let's get into the controversial topic of Non-Alcoholic beverages. I know, cue the groans and gasps of disbelief. The topic of this...

Wake Up & Smell the Roses!

You know that awkward moment when you're at a wine tasting & suddenly you start to reminisce about that bouquet of roses you let die last...

Sweet as Molasses: A wine taboo

I don't know about you, but I've always had a sweet tooth. Friends & family will attest to that. From my obsession with chocolate to...

The Women of Wine

"I didn't realize there were women winemakers." I honestly was flabbergasted when a client made that confession to me years ago. I myself...

A little Heartbreak with Pinot Noir

If you're like me and enjoy a love-hate relationship with Valentine's Day, then this post will provide you the perfect reading material...

Saké to Me!

Step-up your take-out game with a fermented beverage poised to see a huge surge in popularity this year: Sake!

Not All Bubbles Go To Champagne

In last year's post about all things bubbly, we took a look into the region of Champagne & why not all sparkling wine can be called...

The Art of Racing in the Rain

Successfully pairing wine & food together is not just a super power that some people possess, rather, some of us just know how to access...

Catching Nostalgia with Calcu's Carmenere

There have been quite a few bottles over the years that have really put wine into perspective for me. The way in which a grape chooses...

Greetings from Napa Valley

Before I even delve into this wine, can we talk about the label of the bottle? It is so cleverly designed and screams 50's...

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