I have had a lifelong fascination with the nuances and complexities of wine. I have been drawn to its allure, the labels; the classic, the whimsical and the avant garde, the cork, real, synthetic or screw top and the rich history behind the producer, region and each pour.
My introduction to wine occurred during my teenage years in England, where I was tasked with selecting a bottle from the cellar for dinner. The musty aroma and shelves filled with new and old bottles captivated me, and a taste of my selection left me hooked and eager to learn more.
Throughout my college years, I gained experience in the field by working in fine dining establishments and eventually becoming a sommelier at a Relais & Chateau followed by restaurant and hotel management. I worked in sales for a wine importer and later transitioned to marketing for a national wine wholesaler and importer. My love for wine, discovery and collecting only continues to grow.
Just a heads up: I have a strong inclination towards Spanish wines due to several reasons. Firstly, because of my ancestry, secondly, because they are undervalued, and lastly, because a new generation of young wine makers are crafting exquisite wines from indigenous grapes, using natural, organic, and biodynamic methods.
Due to frequent requests from friends and family to share my knowledge and experience, I have decided to launch a blog, offering two distinct perspectives: Drink Now and Save for Later. My personal cellar is comprised of wines that commemorate significant moments in my life, such as the birth years of my children and my wedding anniversary, as well as offerings from up-and-coming winemakers and bottles collected from travels, tastings, reviews and interviews.
The Drink Now section will focus on affordable and easily accessible wine finds that are perfect for casual meals, dinner parties, picnics, and social gatherings. On the other hand, the Save for Later section will highlight the importance of developing your personal collection and the special moments that can be shared with loved ones, such as weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays. My philosophy is to drink good wine, well made, naturally grown, and ready to drink, while always seeking out those that need time to mature.
I hope you enjoy these and feel free to comment.
Robert Flower