When did you first become interested in wine? (When was your first taste? How was the experience?)
After I left the healthcare industry, I began an adventure into the culinary world. I started to travel and after a trip to Burgundy, I was hooked. The history and passion of the local winemakers was inspiring.

What brought you into the wine business?
Being a son of Sicilian immigrants, food and wine were always a part of our culture. I never thought I would make a career of it till I took a "break" from working after college and started to tend bar. Bartenders always seemed cool in college and I thought, "yea, I'd like to try that." It looked like a fun temporary gig but then I met Marc Murphy and we formed an instant friendship and shared a similar vision and work ethic. In 2004 he brought me on to open Landmarc [tribeca] where we put our non-traditional wine program into practice. Needless to say it has been unbelievably successful "the idea that everyone should enjoy a great wine and not just those who can "afford" them has brought so many people into the restaurants and people are so appreciative of the opportunity. Now it's seven years later and we have 4 restaurants with more than 500 people in our company, and we still hold tight to our beliefs about our wine programs.

Do you have a favorite varietal or region?
There is so much diversity out there that I can't say that I do. It depends on the season and what I am eating. I am partial to funky tasting whites like Coundrieu's and Rhone blends.

If you don't order wine at a restaurant or bar, which beverage do you choose?
Ketel One, up, dirty, no vermouth.

What's your least favorite drink?
Gin. Although I do appreciate it, I have bad memories of it. We used to babysit for some of the security guards' kids in college and every Thursday they would take a few of us out to thank us. They drank warm shots of gin out of plastic cups and we couldn't say no. I still think back to that when I smell it. No bueno.

What's your best wine-drinking memory? What was the occasion?
There are so many. One that stands out is on a trip to Champagne. A few of us were in the deep cellars of the Pol Roger Champagne House. The place was teeming with history and family heritage. Waiting for us there was a bottle of 1973 Pol Roger vintage champagne. Delicious.

In your opinion, which country, other than the U.S., makes the best wine? Why?
Trick question. I think this one is all based on personal taste and timing. As far as the best wine, no answer. I personally love Sicilian reds these days. Italy in general has such a great diversity you can never stop exploring.

What are your thoughts on recent trends within the industry?
Depends on which trends you are talking about. One trend I do like are new regions starting to diversify and testing out to see what grows well where. Take Chile for example, so many micro climates and such an opportunity for explorations.

What is the first thing someone learning about wine should know?
Don't let anyone tell you what you should or should not drink. Do not be a snob!

What are some of your favorite food and wine pairings?
I love a nice crisp briny and salty white with fresh oysters. The kind of grape that grows right up to an ocean or sea, like Spanish Albarinos or Sardinian whites...

Do you think any rules should be adhered to when pairing?
Yes, be adventurous. Try out pairings you may never have thought of, or ones that might seem "taboo" to you. I once ate a five-course meal of fish, chicken, pork and beef and drank nothing but Champagne.

What are some of the benefits of drinking wine?
It's like never putting your foot in the same river twice. Every day wine evolves and changes. The possibilities are endless. It's also such a social drink and so great to share amongst family and friends.

What wines should no home be without?
Classic everyday table wines. I usually keep a case of white and red around that cost no more that $12 retail. Sauvignon Blancs, Chardonnays, Cabernets, red blends-- wines that can be drunk on their own or with a wide variety of food.

Do you have any favorite wine gadgets? Are there any new ones on the market? If so, what are they and where can people get them?
No new ones. My favorite is a double hinge wine key. Classic and easy.

What are your three best tips, tricks or techniques for wine lovers?
Be adventurous. Don't be a snob. And most importantly, have fun!