What’s a bottle under $30 that delivers every time?
When it comes to bubbles that are not so trendy, a great D.O. Cava de guarda superior reserva. Whites I will pour a Lugana DOC (Turbiana grape) from Italy or an albariño from D.O. Rias Baixas—especially from smaller producers. People underestimate how serious and food-friendly these wines can be. I’d also say a beautifully made tempranillo crianza or bolder blends from the Douro Valley or Alentejo in Portugal often punches way above its price point. For those who follow the trend of sauvignon blanc, always from the Loire Valley.
What should people look for in a lower-ABV wine that signals quality?
Balance. Lower alcohol alone doesn’t automatically mean quality. Look for freshness, acidity, texture, and a wine that still feels complete and expressive. Cool-climate regions, mountain vineyards, coastal influence, and thoughtful farming often produce naturally balanced wines with lower alcohol and more energy in the glass. So north of Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Austria, just to mention a few.
How do you host a wine-forward gathering that centers on quality sips, not intoxication?
Make wine part of the experience, not the entertainment. Serve smaller pours, pair wines thoughtfully with food that is good enough not to be ignored, serve water constantly, have beautiful nonalcoholic options, and create conversation around what people are tasting.
A wine flight with great snacks and stories always wins over oversized pours. I personally can’t have wine without food.
Do you think the future of wine culture is becoming more casual?
Yes—but in the best way. Wine is becoming less intimidating and more inclusive. People want knowledge without the snobbery.
You can care deeply about wine without memorizing every village in Burgundy. The future belongs to a more curious, welcoming wine culture—one rooted in experience, connection, and storytelling.
That’s also why traveling to wine regions has become so popular. People don’t just want to drink the wine anymore; they want to understand the place, meet the producers, experience the food, and connect with the culture behind the bottle.
What wine trends feels very “2019” to you now?
Drinking wine just because it’s expensive. Consumers today are much more savvy. They care less about impressing people and more about authenticity, farming, sustainability, story, and whether the wine genuinely tastes good to them.
