Hello Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach
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121 Likes, 5 Comments - Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach (@fspalmbeach) on Instagram: "We're thrilled to welcome Jessica Altieri to our team as the Resort's Wine and Water Sommelier...."
Beyond excited to join the spectacular team at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach. Come and visit and sip the one of a kind views of the Atlantic Ocean and beyond.
Welcome To America!
CommentHumbled and excited to be part of the team at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach for the launch of Flories. Be sure to put Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach on your must visit food and wine travel plans for the holidays and say hello!
A Water Sommelier and Hydration with Well+Good
CommentHumbled to be interviewed by the team at Well+Good on hydration and being a water sommelier! Enjoy and stay hydrated!
Beyond Hydration, Appreciation
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Water Word of The Week: Terroir
Terroir
Terroir: Water as Well as Wine?
Terroir and wine go hand in hand. The way in which the geographic region affects the flavor and properties of wine, is also very, very similar to water.
As you might imagine, we could apply terroir to any number of foods and drinks. However, products that don’t spend a lot of time in contact with the land – marrying and melding with its minerals and rainfall, landscape and soil – really can’t be said to have terroir in the same way.
Water’s Terroir: Really a Thing?
While we think of water as a one-and-done ingredient, the same the world over with the exception of some funny smells in some areas, that’s not true at all. Water isn’t as simple as good or bad, dirty or clean. You can’t simply nod in approval or dismiss in disgust.
Water, as much as wine or any other ingredient, has a strong element of terroir. Let’s just consider the elements.
Elements of Terroir
The main components of terroir are all represented in the waters of the world, especially those that are bottled for consumption. Climate: check. Everything is subject to weather. Soil and terrain: check. All water flows through them to end up underground, mingling with minerals. Tradition: check. Many of the great water companies will tell you exactly how they harvest their water right on their websites. Terroir: check.
Water has it in spades.
Want to learn more about terroir and what it means for your water choices? We invite you to get in touch with Jessica Altieri, America’s Water Sommelier today. Whether you’re looking for a crash course or a buying guide, get in touch by visiting JessicaAltieri.com
The Sommelier Journey As Featured on Bustle
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I had the chance to work with the team at Bustle and their partnership with Olay to celebrate women who are chasing their dreams. It was a wonderful chance to look back at the journey to becoming a sommelier and the roads taken, people I met and how I learned to build confidence in a male dominated industry. And its not over yet.
How To See Lollapalooza Like A Rockstar
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How To Sip Luxury at Lollapalooza 2018
4-Day Platinum Ticket $4641.00
It’s Lollapalooza week in Chicago!
Besides great music, the local economic impact is $245 million while filling Grant Park with 400,000 fans during a typical festival weekend.
And with 100,000+ music enthusiasts headed into Grant Park each day during Lollapalooza weekend, suffice it to say, most of the rock star celebrities in town are not standing in 90 degree heat in the mud covered lawn to watch this year’s main attractions such as the Weeknd, Jack White, Bruno Mars and Arctic Monkeys. Where can you try and find them during the show?
After The Show
After the show ends on any given night, you can expect the rock and foodie fans in the know to be heading to Kuma’s Corner (2900 W. Belmont Ave.; 773-604-8769) in Chicago. Legendary rock stars such as Lady Gaga make this a must stop late night munchie destination.
During The Show
What does a 4 Day Platinum Ticket for $4600 get you?
Access to luxurious, air-conditioned Platinum Lounges featuring signature cocktails, craft beer, champagne, wine and curated culinary offerings from some of Chicago's premier restaurants. Plus, deluxe comforts like relaxed lounge seating, shade and premium restrooms.
Premium Perks Including:
- · Up-close, prime viewing areas in front of four stages
- · Access to on-stage viewing at the two main stages*
- · Elevated viewing deck with exceptional sightlines of the main stages
- · Golf cart transportation between the Platinum festival entrance, lounges, and front-of- stage viewing areas
- · Complimentary food and beverage
- · Dedicated entrance to the festival
- · Express Spa treatments
- · Complimentary locker with mobile charging
- · Concierge Services
- · Official Lollapalooza Merchandise Gift
- · Unlimited in-and-out privileges
- · One commemorative RFID-enabled wristband per day
- · Access to all areas available to VIP and General Admission
- · Pre-sale access to Lolla Aftershows
Lollapalooza 2018 Quick Hits
· Lollapalooza will occur on August 2-5, 2018.
Where is Lollapalooza?
· Lollapalooza takes place in Grant Park in downtown Chicago, near attractions such as Millennium Park and the Art Institute.
Tickets
Stop by and say hello; I’ll be somewhere in the mud covered lawn sipping a glass of vino!
Slightly Naughty Austrian Wine Pairing In the Clouds
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3 Star Michelin Chef Pairing of Palatschinken and Austrian Wine
Wine made like the Romans made wine from Wieninger Wines. Palatschinken (Austrian crepes) prepared by 3-star Michelin Chef Juan Amador with world-famous Staud’s preserves. Add in world-renowned tenor, Michael Schade for a history lesson on the Austrian definition of slightly naughty. And where does this take place? How about on the Wiener Riesenrad, a famous 200-foot-tall Ferris Wheel in Vienna, Austria. The Weiner Riesenrad was erected in 1897 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Emperor Franz Josef I. Sip and enjoy this perfect pairing in the clouds!
Enjoy the Austrian authenticity as Jessica Altieri is serenaded by world-renowned tenor, Michael Schade. Schade regularly performs at the Canadian Opera Company, Vienna Staatsoper, Salzburg Festival, Metropolitan Opera, Washington Opera, Opéra National de Paris, San Francisco Opera, Hamburg State Opera, the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Los Angeles Opera. Private and luxury cabins in the Wiener Riesenrad Ferris Wheel can be reserved for romantic, candle-light dinners—an elegant and exclusive setting with appetizers and Hochriegl “Cuvee Sophie” sparkling wine followed by a three-course meal and two bottles of wine, Grüner Veltliner Bründlmayer and Wiener Trilogie Wieninger. Though, unfortunately, private serenades by Michael Schade aren’t always part of the deal. The Ferris Wheel cabins can also be hired for weddings, groups, cocktail hours, breakfasts, and coffee breaks. Stay tuned to Wine Channel TV for more exclusive “Sip Some Austria” featured videos. Prost!
Join Jessica Altieri, CEO of Wine Channel TV, for a preview of the “Sip Some Austria” video series on Wine Channel TV. Wine Channel TV toured the Austrian countryside, taking viewers on a wine lifestyle tour to one of the world’s most unique wine regions uncovering countless blends and varietals that you need to try in 2016 and beyond. Wine Channel TV will be bringing you exclusive interviews with winemakers, tastemakers, and more to take you “inside” the Austrian wine scene. Austrian vineyards charm tourists with breathtaking vistas and quaint “Buschenschanks”—Austrian wine taverns. Jessica Altieri meets with winemakers along the UNESCO World Heritage landscape of the Wachau Valley, one of the most beautiful and breathtaking stretches of river valley in Europe, and ventures inside the city walls of Vienna’s palatial wonders for a vineyard located inside the infamous Schönbrunn Palace. In addition, viewers are taken along the charming Austria’s South Styrian Wine Road with exquisite wines, taverns with enchanting views, a wine hotel, home-cooked traditional Austrian dishes, natural spa resorts, and an astounding Market Hall (Genussregal) with over 1 million wine bottles to choose from—earning southern Styria the nickname, “Tuscany of Austria.”
Bonus: Wine Channel TV host Jessica Altieri receives a private serenade from world-renowned tenor, Michael Schade inside Vienna’s 19th century Ferris Wheel. Stay tuned for featured wine video segments from Austria with your host Jessica Altieri
Enjoy the Austrian authenticity as Jessica Altieri is serenaded by world-renowned tenor, Michael Schade. Schade regularly performs at the Canadian Opera Company, Vienna Staatsoper, Salzburg Festival, Metropolitan Opera, Washington Opera, Opéra National de Paris, San Francisco Opera, Hamburg State Opera, the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Los Angeles Opera. Private and luxury cabins in the Wiener Riesenrad Ferris Wheel can be reserved for romantic, candle-light dinners—an elegant and exclusive setting with appetizers and Hochriegl “Cuvee Sophie” sparkling wine followed by a three-course meal and two bottles of wine, Grüner Veltliner Bründlmayer and Wiener Trilogie Wieninger. Though, unfortunately, private serenades by Michael Schade aren’t always part of the deal. The Ferris Wheel cabins can also be hired for weddings, groups, cocktail hours, breakfasts, and coffee breaks. Stay tuned to Wine Channel TV for more exclusive “Sip Some Austria” featured videos. Prost!
Ramsey Lewis with Sommelier Jessica Altieri
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Ramsey Lewis at 83 and Still Making Magic.
“Work at it”. Words from Ramsey Lewis on how he still makes music magic. Yes, there’s a passion for wine involved and a big bold red always works for Ramsey. And who would Ramsey love to share a glass of wine with these days?
Go ahead start tapping your toes. You know the song if you hear it. Yes, its called, “The In Crowd”. Join wine celebrity Jessica Altieri for this weeks #BestSipEver feature with music legend Ramsey Lewis.
I don’t know about you, but sipping vino with Ramsey Lewis playing in the background, is near perfect. Ramsey Emmanuel Lewis Jr. was born in Chicago on May 27, 1935.
He grew up in the Cabrini Homes housing project that also spawned soul vocalists Curtis Mayfield and Jerry Butler. We caught up with Ramsey and found out what keeps him going after all these years of success. Does he have passion and love for wine? You bet he does.
Ramsey has recorded over 80 albums, won three Grammy Awards, seven gold records and become one of the world’s most renowned jazz pianists and composers of all time. His hit records “The In Crowd,” “Hang On Sloopy,” and “Wade in the Water” were worldwide hits selling more than one million copies each.
From Ramseys’ website: “Throughout his illustrious career, Lewis who is a NEA Jazz Master, has also joined forces with countless other artists to create new and innovative music. In 1984, he collaborated with Nancy Wilson on The Two of Us, in 1988he recorded with London’s Philharmonic Orchestra for the album A Classic Encounter, and in 1989 Lewis and Dr. Billy Taylor cut a set of piano duets in We Meet Again. In 1995, Lewis launched the side project Urban Knights, in which he collaborated with a handful of successful crossover jazz stars, including Grover Washington, Jr., Earl Klugh, and Dave Koz. In 1997, Lewis added disc jockey to his resume, hosting a popular show on Chicago’s WNUA-FM that ran until 2009.”
Showing no signs of slowing down, Ramsey is currently working on a new record which he will begin recording in August with his long time band known as the Urban Knights. An all-star jazz, R&B and funk band which features Grammy nominated guitarist Henry Johnson, drummer Charles Heath, bassist Joshua Ramos and keyboardist Tim Gant.
Check out the video and start toe-tapping to this: The “In” Crowd.
Jessica Altieri, a leading digital wine lifestyle executive, has added a new title to her already impressive list of credentials- America’s Newest Water Sommelier. Jessica’s certification as a Water Sommelier makes her part of a highly exclusive group of tasting professionals. Until 2015, there was only one Water Sommelier in the entire United States, and even today only a handful exist worldwide.
Altieri is the host of “Wine Conversations with Jessica Altieri” on the revolVer Podcast platform. In her book “Kiss My Glass” the NO-BS Wine Buying Guide, Jean-Charles Boisset called Altieri “vibrant, dynamic & charming wine expert, Jess brings joie de vivre, excitement and exuberance to the wine world” while Seresin Estate winemaker Clive Dougall noted “Jessica brings a great, modern, fun and youthful energy to wine that I’ve not encountered before”.
How To Win the Wine Store Battle
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Wine stores sell a range of wines. It’s simple. However, not every wine store is the right store for a discerning buyer looking for that special something. Some sell vintage and select wines while others sell a huge variety of both affordable and more expensive wines.
Before you go buying your wine, dig for some great wine stores in your area. Trust me, it’s not hard to find offers and special deals! The greatest thing about this is that you will be able to find the right wine much faster than normal.
If you want an expensive chardonnay wine and go to a wine store that doesn’t have them, you will have wasted your time. However, if you did just a little bit of research, your time could have been saved and that chardonnay could be at home chilling in the refrigerator.
In these financially difficult times, it is pretty important to find the best deals. The same wine may be on sale at two different stores but one may offer a lower price. However, if you don’t do your homework beforehand, you will probably miss the bargain — bad times indeed.
So in essence, what I am saying is that a little bit of research may yield great results. By doing so before you leave home, who knows what types of great wine stores you may find. You may even find that one great wine lifestyle superstore where all your wine problems can be solved.
Finding the Right Wine Deals
One of the most difficult tasks when it comes to wine is finding the right deal involving the right bottle. You may be buying what you think is a special and diverse wine, but chances are that it’s on sale at another nearby store at some other price (quite often, that price is cheaper!) To live a great wine lifestyle, it’s not enough to know how to pair wines with food and the like — you need to know how to effectively find the best wine deals and bargains.
Ask about any Special Deals
People often don’t know that deals are usually changed on a daily basis, in any given store. When you are visiting your local, why not ask them about any special deals? It’s better than wandering aimlessly down aisles and looking at price tags (huge waste of time!) You never know what new deals are going surface every day — and there could be a perfect bottle of wine with your name on it waiting for you to pick it up.
Most wine superstore clerks will be more than happy to point you in the right direction and give you the information you need. They might even be able to help you out with your wine choice.
Endcap Items Typically on Sale
You see these deals every day yet it’s likely that you have no idea what they are called. The endcap is the area at the end of an aisle where you usually see products on sale (marketing jargon is always a winner) Even if you have no idea what wine is for sale, the chances are that they can be found at the endcap. In most cases, endcap items are usually on sale because they are in limited stock (but generally great quality, at least, in my experience)
When you visit a wine lifestyle superstore, ensure that you check the endcap after you ask for any special deals. Who knows what deals you may find!
End of Bin Sales — Everything must Go
Very few wine sales can ever match end of bin sales. Why are they so great? It’s because suppliers have to get rid of the wine before the new batch comes in. To attract customers, the prices are drastically marked down. This helps to finish the ‘bin’ of wines. So look out for those discount stickers people!
Follow Jessica Altieri on Twitter and Instagram
How to Pack for the Perfect Wine Picnic
CommentTop 5 Summer Wine Picnic Tips with Jessica Altieri
If you’re looking to woo a wine lover, take advantage of good weather and hit the park. Laying down with a loved one, sampling the finer wines and cheeses from local markets is about as romantic as it gets. But to ensure a fine feast with the proper accoutrements, follow these guidelines.
Picnic-ware
Non-negotiable: Bring a classic whicker picnic basket and blanket. You can find these picnic staples at the local goodwill store or via Pottery Barn or World Market. Some picnic baskets come ready-made with a blanket and the appropriate cutlery. But, if supplying your own cutlery, don’t settle for plastic. Bring nice silverware and wash when you return home. Don’t forget the spreaders for cheeses and jams. Fresh flowers add a nice touch.
Cheeses
Arrange for a quality array of cheeses. Diversify your selection: Think one hard cheese, one soft cheese and one ripened cheese. Tasteful cheese varieties include Asiago, Parmesan, Gouda, mozzarella, provolone, Brie and Gorgonzola. Though with 2000 variations of cheese in the world, feel free to sample your local market or grocer into a customized selection.
Meats
Select dried meats that do not require refrigeration such as coppa, speck and salami. Prosciutto is an Italian dry-cured ham that compliments wine and cheese nicely. Bring two or three different meat selections, as you won’t want to skimp on the opportunity to keep your date protein-fueled and the date lasting as long as possible.
Fruits
Include a mixture of dry and fresh fruits. For dried fruits, compose a collection of cranberries, dates, figs, dried Mangos or apricots. Fresh fruits cleanse the palate and should include a medley of raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, apple slices, fresh figs, cantaloupe, watermelon or grapes. To help decide, ask your picnic mate for his or her favorite fruit, and especially inquire for any allergies.
Grains
The cheeses and jams require a vehicle: crackers and bread. Pack a few cracker variations such as almond crackers, light wafers, multi-grain rounds or wheat thins. Include a bread as well: a French baguette, sourdough loaf, rolls or croissants. Feeling ambitious? Nothing beats a home-baked loaf.
Optional
Nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts and cashews, compliment cheese, crackers and dried fruits. Olives, either Kalamata or green varieties, additionally pair well. Don’t forget the sweets: honey, dark chocolate, grilled brown-sugar peaches and jams. Veggies provide refreshing nutrients: grilled eggplant, sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers or avocado.
Meet Richard Peterson - Scientist. Winemaker. Inventor.
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In his spare time, he invented the first wine cooler for Seagrams and Gallo’s Hearty Burgundy. Say hello to Richard Peterson; a chemist, scientist and winemaker. But most importantly, Peterson was a revolutionary inventor. He invented systems that revolutionized #wine production, with his most noted invention the steel barrel pallet in 1975, a system that allowed wineries to stack barrels to the ceiling with a forklift, maximizing space and saving labor costs. Peterson’s 50-plus years in the wine industry was the basis for his book; The Winemaker. It’s a must read for any wine lover and perfect for the beach!
You could share a glass of wine with Dick Peterson and hear a story. But it wouldn’t be near enough wine to learn about the history making changes that Dick helped pioneer in the wine industry. You better get a bottle or two…..
Here are a few:
- The original designer of the steel barrel pallet, which allows wine barrels to be handled mechanically instead of by hand.
- Invented many wine techniques still in use today, such as ‘no topping, bung-and-roll,’ a practice for barrel aging red wines.
- Created many successful new wines, including Lancers Vinho Branco in Portugal, the J. Wile line of varietal wines, Seagram’s first wine cooler, and all the original Monterey Vineyard and Taylor California Cellars varietal and generic table and sparkling wines.
Cheers to Dick and his contributions to the wine world!
About Jessica Altieri
Jessica, or “Just Jess”, is a Certified Sommelier, California Wine Appellation Specialist, and the CEO of the Wine Channel TV Network. By reaching and engaging millennials with digitally-based social media, mobile and live experience events, she has led the growth of her wine lifestyle community to over 300K wine enthusiasts in 2015.
Altieri is a visionary for wine “edutainment;” engaging both novice wine drinkers and experienced enthusiasts around the world with fun, fresh and edgy content. In 2013, she published her first book “Kiss My Glass: Jess Altieri’s ‘NO-BS’ Wine Buying Guide” which is now available on Amazon and in select Walgreens stores.
Wine Conversations with Jessica Altieri Podcast - Jennifer Wall Barefoot Wine Head Winemaker
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Jen Wall aka “Pinky Toe” and Barefoot Wine
A glass of wine is just a conversation waiting to happen as I always say, and today’s conversation is with Jennifer Wall, Barefoot Wine Head Winemaker.
We are sipping some Barefoot Wine spritzers, rose and brut rose bubbly to cool off on a hot day and get the conversation going!
Barefoot wines carry the honor of being the most-awarded still and sparkling wines in U.S. competitions. All said, the wines have received over 2,000 medals, countless accolades, and – best of all – the support of legions of fans around the world.
Dare we say, this may make Barefoot winemaker Jennifer Wall the world’s most successful vintner. Barefoot Wine is a brand of E&J Gallo which acquired Barefoot in 2005.
Connect with Jen and Barefoot Wine on social media:
Twitter: www.twitter.com/BarefootJenWall
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BarefootJenWall
Instagram: https://instagram.com/barefootjen/
More about the Barefoot Wines featured on the podcast:
Barefoot Wine Spritzers!
- Barefoot Spritzers in Cans are an exciting new concept in wine
- Barefoot Spritzers in cans go places wine just can’t
- Barefoot Spritzers in cans are yet another innovative idea from Barefoot, giving America what it’s been missing
- Barefoot Spritzers are available in 5 delicious flavors and pair with summer’s most delicious occasions: appetizers at the pool, picnic at the lake, barbeque while camping and so much more!
Barefoot Rose!
- New in 2017
- Fruit forward and a crowd pleaser!
- Probably the only still Rose available in 187ML, 750ML and 1.5L
- Nationally available and affordable- lined priced with all of the other Barefoot still wines
Barefoot Brut Rose Bubbly!
- Also new in 2017
- The first dry, traditional release for Barefoot Bubbly since 2001!
- First ever launch of 750ML and 187ML bubbly at the same time!
- Phenomenal alone, with food or as part of a Bubbly cocktail!
JESSICA ALTIERI
Jessica Altieri—aka “Just Jess”—is changing the way consumers buy, taste and experience wine. “From Wall Street to Wine Street,” Altieri has captured the ears, eyes, and hearts of wine lovers around the globe, sharing and creating unique wine lifestyle experiences with digital and social media. In 2016, Wine Enthusiast Magazine named Jessica a “40 Under 40 Top Tastemaker”. A respected millennial-age professional wine judge, Altieri is a Certified Sommelier and former NCAA scholar athlete. She founded the world’s fastest growing digital wine lifestyle network, Wine Channel TV, in 2009, and works with some of the world’s leading brands, trade associations and lifestyle companies.
Altieri has built a multiplatform digital network, Wine Channel TV Digital Network, that has over 500K loyal followers around the world. Altieri has appeared on ABC, CNBC, WGN, and ESPN Radio with unique wine, food and lifestyle segments that make shopping for your next fine wine as much fun as eating ice cream. Enjoy, and remember: “Wine is just a conversation waiting to happen!”
Luxury Sip with Penfolds Winemaker Peter Gago
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What could be better than a trip to an exotic location known to have one of the most sophisticated wine markets in the world? A 3-day adventure in the heart of Hong Kong along celebrated wine expert Jessica Altieri, of course!
Yes, you read that right. CEO and wine expert from Wine Channel TV, Jessica Altieri is teaming up with Penfolds to lead fans and viewers on an extraordinary journey amongst the sights and tastes of Hong Kong. Penfolds Winery is one of Australia’s oldest wineries, with a decades-old legacy of diversity and craftsmanship, and their collaboration with wine expert Jessica Altieri is certain to be an event worth tuning in.
Penfolds unveiled a new wine born from Grange DNA and you can see the “First Sip” here with Jessica Altieri, wine expert with Wine Channel TV from Hong Kong. Jessica Altieri and Wine Channel TV were onsite in Hong Kong on October 18, 2017 for the worldwide release of special wine blended from three Grange vintages spanning seven years, aptly named Penfolds g3.
Penfolds released a special wine blended from three Grange vintages spanning seven years, aptly named Penfolds g3. A Penfolds first, these vintages of 2008, 2012 and 2014 (a vintage to be globally released in 2018), energetically entwine to create a completely unique Grange expression.
Jessica has been recognized as one of Wine Enthusiast’s Top 40 Under 40 Tastemasters in 2016, and her name has already become synonymous with some of the best wines across the world. Her innovative approach and likable personality have made her an all-time viewers’ favorite and her 3-day journey to Hong Kong is a dream come true for any wine enthusiast around the globe. Jessica will sample some of the signature dishes of Asia’s most sophisticated wine market and provide her fans with an opportunity to follow in her footsteps as she explores the megapolis.
Already excited? You better be! Jessica Altieri teaming up with Penfolds for an exclusive 3-day trip around Hong Kong promises to be the wine event of the year, so tune in and experience the fantastic views, smells and flavors the city has to offer along with one of the world’s best-recognized wine experts!
Wait That's A Job - Water Sommelier Podcast
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Wait That’s A Job Podcast – Water Sommelier
Shout out and thank-you to Vanessa Golenia and Renata Sellitti for having me on their Wait That’s A Job Podcast – Water Sommelier, featuring my role as a
Water Sommelier Podcast Overview
Yes, you read that right, this episode features Jessica Altieri, certified water sommelier (because: spoiler alert, that’s a thing) who graciously walks us through everything from how in the world a bottle of water could cost $60K, to what the eff is “mouth feel” anyway? Get ready to learn because our conversation with Jessica is not only fun, it’s educational. Drink up, folks.
About Jessica Altieri
Jessica Altieri is a social media entrepreneur, sales enabler, Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 Tastemaker, 2018 Top 40 Wine Influencer, on-camera host and storyteller with her personal quotation that is posted outside of the Disneyland Wine Country Trattoria venue: “Wine Is Just A Conversation Waiting To Happen”.
Altieri’s latest certification as a Water Sommelier further solidifies her position as an innovative authority in the U.S. and around the world. Certification as a Water Sommelier makes Jessica part of a highly exclusive group of tasting professionals. Until 2015, there was only one Water Sommelier in the entire U.S., and even today only a handful exist worldwide.
A pioneer in the use of video and digital “storytelling” with social media for over 8 years, Altieri created the worlds first digital wine lifestyle platform and partnered with some of the most iconic brands in the world, including, Penfolds, Treasury Wine Estates, E&J Gallo and Constellation Brands. Curating original video content with live events and activating full-scale social media takeovers, Altieri gains millions of impressions for the brands she advocates for.
Altieri is the host of “Wine Conversations with Jessica Altieri” on the revolVer Podcast platform. In her book “Kiss My Glass” the NO-BS Wine Buying Guide, Jean-Charles Boisset called Altieri “vibrant, dynamic & charming wine expert, Jess brings joie de vivre, excitement and exuberance to the wine world” while Seresin Estate winemaker Clive Dougall noted “Jessica brings a great, modern, fun and youthful energy to wine that I’ve not encountered before”.
How A WWII General Helped Create The Rosé Craze in the USA
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Join Wine Channel TV for a featured “Sip Some Puglia” segment with Leone De Castris. Host Jessica Altieri takes you inside the history of this legendary winery and the people who preserve the winemaking legacy of Leone De Castris. Leone De Castris operates in Salice Salentino, a charming, colorful town in southern Apulia, Italy. In 1925, Piero and Lisetta Leone de Castris began bottling wines, ultimately leading to the 1943 introduction of Five Roses—the first rosé wine exported to the United States. Leone De Castris owes it all to American World War II General Charles Poletti fell in love with Five Roses while in Italy.
The history of winemaking at Leone De Castris actually dates back to 1665—making Leone De Castris one of the oldest winemakers in both Italy and the world. While Five Roses is Leone De Castris’ worldwide claim to fame, the wine manager’s favorite bottle to sip at home is their Salice Salentino wine—named after the winemaker’s Italian hometown. Enjoy this spectacular view of the vineyards, lifestyle and people that make Leone De Castris a special “Sip Some Puglia” featured segment. As always, wine is just a conversation waiting to happen. Stay tuned to Wine Channel TV for more exclusive “Sip Some Puglia” featured videos in 2016. Salute!
Winery Tour Outfit Pairings
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What to Wear to the Vineyard
You’ve bought the plane tickets, studied your wine tasting vocabulary, designated your driver and now—what to pack? While there’s no “wine tasting” dress code, it’s possible to completely over dress or come off to casual. This guidance for what to wear wine tasting will ensure a fashion faux pas won’t sabotage your magical time in wine country bliss.
1. Skip the heels
Grassy pathways and steep terraces aren’t conducive to spiked heels: Think flats or this season’s favorite boot. Most of your day will be spent on your feet exploring vineyards and cellars. Wouldn’t you rather soak in the beauty than seeking out a chair for aching-foot reprieve? Plus, it’s easier to have one glass too many on ground level. Make the smart choice and select your most comfortable footwear.
2. Light on the make-up
Lipstick stains the glasses. Do you want to leave unsightly marks on each tasting flute you encounter? And skip the perfume. Perfumes inhibit your ability to sniff out each flavor note. The person standing next to you will appreciate the consideration. By your fifth vineyard and after copious tastings, any make-up you decided to apply in the morning will most likely be unattractively smudged or smeared. Au natural compliments the abounding natural beauty experienced in wine country.
3. Dress it up, keep it classy
How often do you get a chance to get a little dressy? A day in wine country means scenic photos, upscale cellars and swanky tasting rooms. Though many keep it casual, there’s no saying you can’t dress up that favorite pair of jeans or pull out that dust-collecting favorite skirt. And keep it classy: Seductive and provocative don’t pair well with modish tasting rooms. Seek out your highest-quality “effortless beauty” outfit. As for the male wine taster: Pull out your golf course getup, and you’ll be just fine.
4. Pack layers
The ideal winemaking climate entails warmer, mild weather throughout the day and cooler evenings: You’ll want to layer up. Though it may be a sweaty start, don’t forget the cardigan you’ll be needing later in the tour. Your base layer should be a tank or tee for the heat of the afternoon. Include a secondary layer, cardigan, sweater, flannel or scarf, for the breezy evenings. Pack a blazer or heavier coat for nightfall. Wine tasting in the colder seasons? Wear a heavy overcoat and don’t forget thicker socks to keep those toes warm. Scarves and hats are fun to coordinate.
About Jessica Altieri
Taking the Wine World by Storm.
Jessica Altieri has appeared as a wine lifestyle contributor on CNBC, ABC7 Chicago, WGN, ESPN Radio, Yahoo Sports Radio, KGO810 and was featured in Wine Enthusiast Magazine, San Francisco Chronicle, Reuters, Vineyard and Winery Management Magazine.
Altieri has hosted and produced some of the nation's most upscale wine lifestyle events, including the award winning Sip & Shop Westfield Old Orchard event for the past two years. The event features a specially curated wine, champagne and spirit offering with over 40 selections along with upscale retailer participation from Nordstrom, Macy's, Tiffany &Co., Prada and more.
In 2015, her millennial-driven wine lifestyle event included the NFL Draft event: "Sips.Suits.Stilettos." featuring the exclusive launch of the 2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed, with featured wine & champagne brands including Laurent-Perrier, St. Supery, Landmark Vineyards, Primus, Vince Camuto and Villa Maria.
NBA and Wine - Podcast with ESPN Writer and James Beard Baxter Holmes
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Baxter Holmes just won the James Beard Foundation Award For Excellence in the “Feature Reporting” category at their annual media awards dinner. Baxter is an ESPN staff writer and all-around sports enthusiast known for his in-depth, sometimes delightfully quirky stories. I was lucky enough to talk with him for a leisurely chat – paired on my end with a glass of Puramun Malbec Reserva from Mendoza, Argentina – and speak with him about a subject near and dear to my heart.
Baxter Holmes, who has been hailed for such stories as blowing the lid off the National Basketball Association’s secret PBJ addiction (we knew it!!), is back with another fascinating look at life inside the food and beverage choices of NBA players. Today’s story centers on what we’re fondly calling the Banana Boat Story, for reasons which will soon become clear.
The friendly looking Oklahoma native, who now lives in and spoke to me from his current city of residence, Los Angeles, took time out of his story-swamped schedule to speak to me about … you guessed it … wine.
From Basketballs to Bottles
But first, let’s cast our memories back a little further, to the day when young Baxter was innocently sitting in geometry class sophomore year. There was a knock at the door, followed by the appearance of the high school basketball coach – also the sports editor for the local newspaper – asking if Holmes wanted to cover the team.
Beginning with the first fateful basketball game, Holmes was hooked. Upon graduating high school, he traveled around the U.S. for school, internships and assignments with such luminous publications as The Boston Globe and The Los Angeles Times.
Holmes got my attention with a recent piece, The NBA’s Secret Wine Society, which details the recent devotion certain NBA players have developed for the world of wine.
“I had noticed for some time the players were posting a lot of pictures of wine on social media,” Holmes tells me. The subject has also come up in interviews, and it slowly became apparent that wine is “more than just a side project” for these players: It’s a sideobsession.
Dedication and Discipline … to More than B-Ball
In his travels from Oklahoma to Los Angeles to Cleveland to Houston, covering the story, Holmes was struck again and again by the level of attention NBA players gave to their study of wine. We’re talking the big names, “at the top of their game the NBA.” People whose schedules are already full, Holmes explains, yet this does nothing to dim “their level of curiosity and their hunger to learn.”
Helming this oenological ship were superstars Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and LeBron James (of banana boat fame … told you we’d circle back).
Their mutual obsession began on vacation, and they realized that they were all on “their own little wine journeys,” as Holmes charmingly puts it, and that perhaps they ought to continue those journeys together. And thus was the Banana Boat Tasting Group born. (Not an official title, perhaps, but let’s all just pretend it is, because life is better that way.)
One of the most interesting aspects of the NBA wine story is the fact that the players are not just feigning their enthusiasm or using oenology as the next form of bling. This is not a drill. They really, really care about wine: its roots, its manufacture, its ins and outs.
Holmes tells the story of Carmelo Anthony, challenged to bring the best bottle of wine he could get on to a dinner hosted by the biggest wine collector on the East Coast (at least according to Anthony), and majorly sweating the decision. Not in a casual way, Holmes points out. His stress was more akin to taking a game-winning shot or making a playoff appearance.
So, you know. Did we mention these guys really care about wine?
Wine and the Game: More Similar Than You Might Think
That may be, ponders Carissa Mondavi, granddaughter of California winemaker Robert Mondavi, due to some striking similarities between the obsession and the game. As Holmes writes in his ESPN article, reflecting her thinking, “NBA players are the product of so many unseen hours spent perfecting so many hidden details, all leading to the moment when the ball is tossed in the air. So too is wine crafted against countless variables — the weather, soil, harvest, tanks, the barrels and blends, the delicate alchemy of it all — until, one day, the cork is pulled. For both to shine, it takes so much work no one will ever see.”
Once more, Carmelo Anthony is the perfect exhibit, becoming truly zealous in his study of wine documentaries, the intricacies of tasting, and especially tasting notes. Some people have, Holmes explains, a pitch-perfect accuracy in picking out tasting notes: “Let’s say there’s 12 tasting notes in a glass and they can pick up all 12 of them blindly.” Pretty impressive.
Anthony desires this skill as well, and he’s getting there: “He became really dedicated, trying to get at least three or four. He says he can now do that these days, which is a point of pride.” It’s a skill that takes an incredible amount of practice, which again highlights that uncanny resemblance between the game of basketball and the art of wine tasting.
A Not-Inexpensive Habit
It shouldn’t surprise us that the people who feature regularly on MTV’s Cribs are willing to drop huge sums of money in pursuit of their passions. LeBron James has mentioned his fondness for an occasional bottle of ’09 Screaming Eagle Cabernet, which ranges from $2,500 to $5,000 or more. J.J. Redick also pops into Holmes’ mind as a player with upscale predilections. Perhaps the NBA notable with the most expensive taste of all is Gregg Popovich, head coach of the San Antonio Spurs.
Nor is Holmes himself immune to the humanity-wide interest in very spendy bottles. When asked if he could have any bottle of wine to share with any person, Holmes reveals his perfect bottle to be Romanée-Conti – which he witnessed getting rave reviews during his travels, and which routinely sells for close to 10 grand per bottle. His partner in wine? None other than his wife on her birthday.
* pause for heartfelt awwwwwww *
The players wives’ are almost equally enthused, if not more so. One of his best sources for the story, Holmes reveals, was Gabrielle Union, famous actress and wife of Dwayne Wade. Not only does she know a whole lot, she was super excited to chat about it, answering emails instantaneously and reliably picking up the phone when called. Our conclusion? Well, once again, we have to give the players, along with their friends and families, a lot of credit: This ain’t no trend.
Building a Story
Wine to NBA players is much as wine has been to enthusiasts for thousands of years: part of their way of life. Holmes is just happy that they chose to spend so much time sharing their enthusiasm with him.
“I relied on a lot of people who were very very generous with their time in helping me do that,” he says. Wine is a very complex, almost endless subject. “I mean, it dates back to the beginning of civilization.” In his pursuit of knowledge on the subject, he modestly reveals that he leaned heavily on the players and wine experts to fill in the gaps of his knowledge.
We must say, however, that Holmes doesn’t need anyone to instruct him in how to tell a story. He credits his father for giving him a leg up … or at least a really good metaphor to draw on. As both a high-powered regional sales manager and a builder of log homes, Holmes Sr. taught his son a steadfast work ethic along with a “one log at a time” approach to work. As his father carefully stacked trunk by trunk, so does Holmes today ask one interview question at a time. With enough questions, voilà: You have a story.
Whether the story is about sports, wine or anything else, that’s the ultimate goal: to build a great house.
“I certainly feel very driven to tell the best story, the definitive story, the one that people will remember,” Holmes tells me. “You know, I hope that when people are thinking of the NBA and wine, that this is the story they’ll think of.” I think they probably will.
In closing, I would be remiss in my duties if I didn’t share this fun little tidbit from the rapid-fire question section at the end of our chat: Given the choice between giving up food, wine and sex, Holmes regretfully chooses wine. Considering his dedication to the crafts of both storytelling and oenology, though, we’ll give him a pass.
This one time. Got that, Holmes?
For the full interview, please feel free to listen to the podcast episode and subscribe to Wine Conversations with Jessica Altieri. I’d also like to extend one last thank you to Baxter Holmes for joining us on the show and giving us the inside scoop. Be sure to go visit him on Twitter, where he shares his adventures writing for ESPN and Esquire “now and then.”
What Is A Water Sommelier?
CommentMeet Jessica Altieri Certified Water Sommelier
What is a water sommelier?
Imagine having an acclaimed sommelier personally walk you through the new world of water, showing you perfect pairings and granting you inside access to world-renowned water regions and sources, just like when you order a fine bottle of wine. Think of the adventure of traveling from France to Norway to Italy, all through your eager palate. Dream of tasting the difference between different types of mineral water, learning the history of the water regions and, more importantly, falling in love with the luxury water lifestyle. A water sommelier helps you do all of this, taking water appreciation to a new level.
Wine Expert Becomes One of Few Certified Water Sommeliers in the World
Acclaimed sommelier and digital media executive, Jessica Altieri is expanding her food and beverage expertise this season, becoming one of the world's first certified water sommeliers. Water sommeliers just began being certified in 2015 and there are still just a handful of these water experts in the world, most of whom are men.
About Jessica Altieri
Jessica Altieri is a wine expert and sought-after wine judge and was recently named as one of the "40 under 40" to watch in the food and beverage industry by "Wine Enthusiast" magazine. Altieri is the CEO of The Wine Channel TV Network and hosts a popular wine podcast on Revolver called "Wine Conversations with Jessica Altieri." She has been a lifestyle contributor to CNBC, Yahoo! News, ABC7 Chicago and ESPN Radio, among others.
America's Water Sommelier - Water Word Of The Day
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Terroir
Terroir: Water as Well as Wine?
Terroir and wine go hand in hand. The way in which the geographic region affects the flavor and properties of wine, is also very, very similar to water.
As you might imagine, we could apply terroir to any number of foods and drinks. However, products that don’t spend a lot of time in contact with the land – marrying and melding with its minerals and rainfall, landscape and soil – really can’t be said to have terroir in the same way.
Water’s Terroir: Really a Thing?
While we think of water as a one-and-done ingredient, the same the world over with the exception of some funny smells in some areas, that’s not true at all. Water isn’t as simple as good or bad, dirty or clean. You can’t simply nod in approval or dismiss in disgust.
Water, as much as wine or any other ingredient, has a strong element of terroir. Let’s just consider the elements.
Elements of Terroir
The main components of terroir are all represented in the waters of the world, especially those that are bottled for consumption. Climate: check. Everything is subject to weather. Soil and terrain: check. All water flows through them to end up underground, mingling with minerals. Tradition: check. Many of the great water companies will tell you exactly how they harvest their water right on their websites. Terroir: check.
Water has it in spades.
Want to learn more about terroir and what it means for your water choices? We invite you to get in touch with Jessica Altieri, America’s Water Sommelier today. Whether you’re looking for a crash course or a buying guide, get in touch by visiting JessicaAltieri.com