What brought you into the organic wine business?
I'm a big supporter of organic foods, I go to the farmer's market all of the time and support local farmers. I think organic wines are a natural extension of this. Without additives and extra sulfites, I noticed that organic wines just show a purity of flavor that you just don't get in some over processed wines.

Do you have a favorite varietal or region?
My first loves, and still today, are southern Rhône and Provence wines made with Grenache and Mourvedre. These wines are so good with food and just have such a beauty to them.

If you don't order wine at a restaurant or bar, which beverage do you choose?
Depending on what I'm eating, I will usually choose a beer, a well made vodka or tequila neat.

What's your least favorite drink?
Brown liquors! Scotch and whiskey are just not for me.

What are your thoughts on recent trends within the industry?
I think it is so great that wine is becoming so popular! For a while, I think people had a fear of wines (especially wines from other countries). People are now learning that wines are accessible to everyone and not for the "snooty"!

What is the first thing someone learning about organic wine should know?
First, not to be fearful. I think in the past, there was a bad connotation with organic wines. Also, that organic wines are living, breathing things. They are very dependent on weather, so they will taste differently on a humid, overcast day than on a sunny day with no humidity. It is quite amazing.

What are some of your favorite food and wine pairings?
I love pairing cheeses from the same regions as the wines. They compliment each other so well and bring out delicate nuances of each other.

Do you think any rules should be adhered to when pairing?
I don't think people should follow rules with wine pairings; it should be all about experimenting for yourself and discovering what you like and what works for your palate. Wine is such a personal thing.

What wines should no home be without?
Rosé! All year long, rosé is really such a perfect drink. It makes a great aperitif, and goes well with so many types of food. I am a big proponent of bringing rosé to the forefront and getting people to lose the fear!

What are your three best tips, tricks or techniques for enjoying organic wine?
For organic wines, I think a tip is to decant, whether it be red or white. The wines really open up and it is really important for organic wines to breathe. I also really prefer organic wines with a slight chill on them, say cellar temperature, so I like to refrigerate reds a few minutes before opening.