In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Derrick C. Westbrook. In this episode we speak to Derrick about:
Derrick's Bio:
A love for people and passion for spirits has served as the driving force behind Derrick C. Westbrook’s journey into the wine industry. The Chicago-based sommelier has led a successful career in wine over the last 10 years, with numerous accomplishments and accolades along the way. Before turning 30, Westbrook became the Beverage Director of the Michelin-starred, Elizabeth Restaurant in Chicago, and later served as Manager and Head Buyer of 57th Street Wines in Hyde Park. In 2018, he was recognized for his professional contributions by Wine Enthusiast magazine, landing him a spot on their coveted 40 Under 40 list. Today, Westbrook serves as Sommelier & Service Manager for Bibliophile Gastropub & Public House, where he curates seasonal menus that introduce unique wine varietals, from regions around the globe. He also owns and operates Derrick C. Westbrook LLC, a company that hosts pop-up wine-tastings, dinners and develops beverage programs for some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. Throughout his career, Westbrook has remained dedicated to simplifying the wine discovery process for newcomers. He’s combined his love for wine and music to create his signature, Samples & Samples event series, a unique tasting experience for residents of Chicago and across the U.S. Through both traditional and experiential learning, Westbrook takes his extensive knowledge of wines and makes it accessible and relatable for the everyday connoisseur.
The Last Sip:
When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist? Big K.R.I.T, Chance the Rapper, Jay-Z, O’Jays, Gallant, Gin Joint Music, String Instrument Concerto’s
For more information:
https://www.derrickcwestbrook.com
Social Media:
Instagram: @derrickcwestbrook
Facebook - @derrickcwestbrook
Twitter: dcwestbrook_
Instagram: @bibliophile.us
Resources:
https://www.bibliophile.us
https://winefolly.com/tutorial/in-search-of-the-best-wines-from-priorat/
https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/11/dining/11Pour.html
https://winefolly.com/review/no-cure-for-grape-phylloxera/
In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Tinashe Nyamudoka of Kumusha Wines and The Test Kitchen. In this episode we speak to Tinashe about:
Tinashe's Bio:
I have gained my extensive wine knowledge and experience in a span of 10 years. Starting all the way from the bottom as a wine waiter, working at the Roundhouse Restaurant in 2008. I rose from wine butler, assistant sommelier to sommelier during my five-year tenure (2009-2014) at the One and Only Hotel Cape Town. During this period, I worked in world-class restaurants (Maze by Gordon Ramsey, Reuben’s and NOBU) and had the opportunity to work alongside these talented chefs). I assumed position as Head Sommelier of The Oyster Box Hotel in 2014 where I was responsible for the hotel’s wine program. Under my watch the hotel’s wine list won the 2014 Dinners Club Wine List of the year. Currently I am managing the wine and beverage program at The Test Kitchen, number one restaurant in South Africa and Africa and recently named 50th on the Pellegrino 50 Worlds Best Restaurants 2018. I am a regular wine judge on various local wine competitions. 3 years for Michelangelo wine and spirits awards. 3 years at the Chenin Blanc Top 10 Challenge. 3 years for Platter’s five star panel. I have judged for World Class Bartending Regional finals for 2017 South Africa’s best mixologist. I have been featured in various local publications and even caught the eye of one of the world’s best wine critic Jancis Robinson. I have also been featured on CNN’s Africa African Voices program.
Over the years I have built strong networks and connections in the local and international wine industry. These include producers, wine sales representatives, wine distributors, wine marketers, private wine merchants, fellow sommeliers and wine writers. Using this wealth of knowledge I came up with my own wine brand KUMUSHA WINES. To date I export to the Netherlands and Zimbabwe. Hopefully in the near future the wine will be available in Mauritius, USA and the UK. I’m passionate about learning and always improving and broadening my skills. I also endeavor to help nature and mentor young talent in the wine industry.
Other Positions
Board Member – South African Sommelier Association
Board Member – BLACC (Black Cellar Club)
Wine Tasting Panelist - Wine of the Month Club
Independent Wine Judge
Brand Ambassodor – Liqourama Victoria Falls
Wine Columnist – FastJet Flight Magazine
Qualifications
Wine Diploma – Cape Wine Academy
WSET - Level 3
Wine Business Management – GSB UCT
Certificate – Michael Fridjhon Wine Judging Academy
Achievements
Best Wine Service – 2016 Mercedes Benz Eat Out Top 20 Restaurant Awards
Best Wine Steward – 2013 Showcook Inter-Hotel Challenge
100 Inspiring and Aspiring Leader in South Africa – 2016 Young Independents
Team Zimbabwe 2017 & 2018– World Blind Tasting Championships (France)
The Last Sip:
When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist? Reggae
For more information:
Social Media:
Instagram: @tinashe_nyamudoka and @kumushawines
Facebook: @Kumusha Wines
Resources:
https://www.winemag.com/2018/01/24/s3e2/
https://www.thetestkitchen.co.za/home/
https://www.winemag.com/gallery/black-cellar-club-blacc-south-africa/
https://wine.co.za/contact/contact.aspx?CONTACTID=6561&SPOTLIGHTID=104
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmQtvBee2RU
https://za.linkedin.com/in/tinashe-nyamudoka-6098b33a
https://www.wineofthemonth.co.za/the-wine-press/40_panel-tinashe-nyamudoka
https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tinashe_Nyamudoka
https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/sowetan/20180927/281651076034163
https://www.winemag.com/2015/09/02/7-questions-for-sommelier-tinashe-nyamudoka/
https://www.vivino.com/wineries/kumusha
https://www.businesslive.co.za/fm/life/food/2018-01-25-wine-top-picks-from-a-top-sommelier/
In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Breana Royal of Ernest & Julio Gallo. In this episode we speak to Brenae about:
Brenae's Bio
Brenae Royal grew up in the town of Atwater, in California’s Central Valley. “I come from a family of teachers and doctors, so when I started raising pigs, my family thought, where did she fall off?” Brenae says, laughing. When asked about her first farming memories, she recalls picking weeds and planting flowers with her grandmother. “My grandmother has a ginormous garden.” As the Vineyard Manager for the 575-acre Monte Rosso Vineyard on the eastern hills of Sonoma Valley, one the most acclaimed winegrowing sites in California, Brenae might have her grandmother beat.
Brenae put her passion to action at a young age, joining 4-H at 12 and becoming an officer in the Future Farmers of America when she was 17. The program took her all over California and immersed her in a world she knew she wanted to be a part of for the rest of her life. Brenae studied Crops and Horticulture Science at California State University, Chico and during her senior year, after developing a palate for bold red wines, decided to pursue a career in viticulture.
She joined E. & J. Gallo Winery in 2013 as an Operations and Viticulture Intern and quickly established a relationship with an important mentor, winemaker Deborah Juergenson. “Deb started out as one of the first few women winemakers in a very male-dominated field. It’s been amazing to have her as a mentor, both professionally and personally,” Brenae says. “Viticulture is still very male-dominated, so to drive more inclusion and diversity is very much an uphill battle.” It’s a battle that Brenae has done anything but back down from. Since joining Gallo, Brenae has farmed Monte Rosso Vineyard with increasing levels of responsibility. In addition to her internship, Brenae also served as Viticulture Technician for 11 months before being named Vineyard Manager in 2015.
Monte Rosso is home to some of the oldest producing grapevines in California and has garnered a near- mythic reputation among winemakers. “When I started, it was intimidating. Here I am as this 24-year-old coming into to manage Monte Rosso, a world-renowned vineyard and one of the oldest in the state. It’s difficult and complex. Our vines range from four months old to over 130 years old, so it’s a lot to take on, but I love it,” she says. “We’ve brought a lot of technology and innovation to the vineyard, so much so that we can be farming up to three different wines within the same block.”
Mount Peak Winery, like Brenae, is singularly focused on expressing Monte Rosso’s uniqueness. “When our winemaker Mark Williams visits, it’s not uncommon to hop in my truck and then hike into his favorite blocks. It’s a hands-on approach to winemaking, and he’s very honored to work with the fruit.” When asked how Monte Rosso’s distinct terroir shows up in the bottle, Brenae quickly answers. “Acidity,” she declares, “and minerality and spice.” Part of the vineyard’s mystique is that its signature qualities seem impervious to producer and variety. “You can taste Monte Rosso wines blind and recognize them immediately,” she adds. Brenae is doing everything in her power to keep it that way. “My goal is always to preserve what is special about Monte Rosso,” she says. “Hopefully it will be producing for another 132 years.”
The Last Sip:
When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist? Alabama Shakes, Bee Gee’s and 90’s R&B
For more information:
Social Media:
Instagram: @_cabrenae
Resources:
https://historicvineyardsociety.org/vineyard/monte-rosso
https://winefolly.com/update/moon-mountain-ava-mountain-cabernet/
In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Jermaine Stone, The Real Wolf of Wine and CEO of CRU Luv Selections. In this episode we speak to Jermaine about:
Jermaine's Bio
A Bronx native, Cru Luv Wine's President and CEO Jermaine Stone was raised worlds away from wine country with plans to become a rapper. By age 19 he had already made appearances on XM Radio, BET and Hot 97, and had the attention of prominent figures in music including Chris Lighty and LL Cool J.
A temporary job packing boxes in the shipping department at Zachys Wine Auctions, though, persuaded him to make a career in fine wine. There, Jermaine would begin an accomplished 9-year career with them, learning the intricacies of fine wine warehousing and shipping, client service, and auctioneering. He rose to the position of Logistics Manager, overseeing the inbound and outbound transport of $60 million worth of fine wine annually.
In 2013 Jermaine left Zachys to become one of the founding Directors of Wally’s Auctions, the New York-based subsidiary of a major Los Angeles wine retailer. At Wally’s, he used talents and expertise in auctioneering, operations, and business development to co-create and implement the full client experience, including the auction website and online bidding application; live simulcast auction bidding; warehousing of collections for sale; and distribution and fulfillment of client purchases. In addition to these major operational roles, he served as an auctioneer and public speaker at commercial and charity auctions and provided strategic advice to Wally’s President and Vice President.
After leaving Wallys, Jermaine founded Cru Luv Selections, a New York-based creative agency dedicated to blending the best elements of wine and hip hop culture through; brands, media and tastings that highlight the two arts at their highest levels.
The Last Sip:
When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist? Trap Music
For more information:
https://www.cruluvwine.com/
Social Media:
Instagram: @therealwolfofwine
Facebook: @cruluvselections
@jermainestone
In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Jermaine Stone, The Real Wolf of Wine and CEO of CRU Luv Selections. In this episode we speak to Jermaine about:
Jermaine's Bio
A Bronx native, Cru Luv Wine's President and CEO Jermaine Stone was raised worlds away from wine country with plans to become a rapper. By age 19 he had already made appearances on XM Radio, BET and Hot 97, and had the attention of prominent figures in music including Chris Lighty and LL Cool J.
A temporary job packing boxes in the shipping department at Zachys Wine Auctions, though, persuaded him to make a career in fine wine. There, Jermaine would begin an accomplished 9-year career with them, learning the intricacies of fine wine warehousing and shipping, client service, and auctioneering. He rose to the position of Logistics Manager, overseeing the inbound and outbound transport of $60 million worth of fine wine annually.
In 2013 Jermaine left Zachys to become one of the founding Directors of Wally’s Auctions, the New York-based subsidiary of a major Los Angeles wine retailer. At Wally’s, he used talents and expertise in auctioneering, operations, and business development to co-create and implement the full client experience, including the auction website and online bidding application; live simulcast auction bidding; warehousing of collections for sale; and distribution and fulfillment of client purchases. In addition to these major operational roles, he served as an auctioneer and public speaker at commercial and charity auctions and provided strategic advice to Wally’s President and Vice President.
After leaving Wallys, Jermaine founded Cru Luv Selections, a New York-based creative agency dedicated to blending the best elements of wine and hip hop culture through; brands, media and tastings that highlight the two arts at their highest levels.
The Last Sip:
When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist? Trap Music
For more information:
https://www.cruluvwine.com/
Social Media:
Instagram: @therealwolfofwine
Facebook: @cruluvselections
@jermainestone
Check out this episode with Sukari and Shomari recapping The Color of Wine podcast for 2018 and talking about what to expect for 2019 and Season 5!!