When did you first become interested in wine?
About 20 years ago, I was working in sales and marketing. My mentor was a man from Europe who adored wine. At dinner he would carefully and cautiously select some great wines. In dining with him I learned about the flavors, textures and finish. I developed a discerning palate. Soon I was confident to order for the table as my knowledge grew across the continents.

What brought you into the wine business?
I worked at a Fortune 500 company, where I had the opportunity to travel all over the world and experience an array of different wines. Eventually I got out of the business. While reading a Fortune Magazine, I read an article about a custom crush facility for wine making and thought, "That's exactly what I want to do." It was then that Cult Vines was born. I was determined to leave no stone unturned and take no short cuts. I invested in a custom crush facility with the intent to create fine and memorable wines from California grapes. Even if the business didn't take off, at least I'd have a private collection of high quality wines. Really my mission was to connect with people that shared my passion.

Do you have a favorite varietal or region?
Brunello, Barolo, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Australian Shiraz, and just about any California wine.

If you don't order wine at a restaurant or bar, which beverage do you choose?
Blanton's Bourbon. A dry, dirty vodka martini, shaken not stirred (as James Bond would say). I also enjoy different beers depending on my mood.

What's your least favorite drink?
Overly sweet drinks...I wake up with a headache and ask myself, "Why did I do that?"

What's your best wine-drinking memory? What was the occasion?
On one of my visits in New Orleans, I toured Oak Alley Mansion and afterward went to Emeril's restaurant. I bought a 1998 Screaming Eagle, which costs $900 a bottle. I still have the bottle to this day.

In your opinion, which country, other than the U.S., makes the best wine? Why?
I love Italian wines: Amarone, Brunello and Barolo. With wines from Italy, I know what I'm getting and they're always good. I have to have one on hand at all times.

What are your thoughts on recent trends within the industry?
Recently, white wines such as Chardonnay have been moving away from an overly oaky taste. Wines are aging in stainless steel. Our 2007 Roussanne aged in both new oak and old oak. However, the Roussanne to be released in spring has been aging in stainless steel. I'm experimenting with both processes in order to create the maximum quality and best taste from the grapes.

What is the first thing someone learning about wine should know?
Read up a little in books like The Little Black Book of Wine. Research different varietals to discover what the flavors mean and with which food they pair best. But don't get overly technical. That way you won't embarrass yourself by putting a bottle of Barolo on ice. Also, joining a wine club is a great idea. Drink wine with people who have a few more years of experience under their belts.

What are some of your favorite food and wine pairings?
Crème brûlée and Sauternes; Brunello, Barolo, or a solid Martha's Vineyard wine with a really juicy steak

Do you think any rules should be adhered to when pairing?
I'm not a wine snob, so I cannot say, "These are the rules." Try different things and pair what you like.

What are some of the benefits of drinking wine?
They say a glass of wine or two a day is good for your health. Wine is full of antioxidants. For me, wine is one of the better things in life regardless of its health benefits.

What wines should no home be without?
California wines, Italian wines, German wines like Gewürztraminer and Riesling, Australian Shiraz, big bold reds, dessert wines, and couple different whites. I actually have a separate fridge for stocking up.

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?
Stand up wine openers, which can be bought on-line or in a kitchen supply store. I also like my bottle cap with an air-removing device. I use it to keep seltzer water fresh, because I honestly never have to re-cork my wine.

What are your three best tips, tricks or techniques for wine lovers?
1. You don't have to spend $100 to taste a good wine.
2. Ask a sommelier or whoever brings you the wine list for their recommendations.
3. Some people are so afraid to try new things. Don't be afraid to try different wines. Be adventurous.