When did you first become interested in wine? (When was your first taste? How was the experience?)
As a child watching my father open wines and talk about them. My first taste was when I was 10 years old; a red wine with my father. I liked the smell and the taste.

What brought you into the wine business?
While working in a restaurant in Paris, I was offered the opportunity to be trained as sommelier.

Do you have a favorite varietal or region?
Bordeaux.

If you don't order wine at a restaurant or bar, which beverage do you choose?
Beer

What's your least favorite drink?
Vodka

What's your best wine-drinking memory? What was the occasion?
A Madeira 1789 during a tasting.

In your opinion, which country, other than the U.S., makes the best wine? Why?
France, they have history knowledge and passion

What are your thoughts on recent trends within the industry?
There is too much technology involved in winemaking now with a loss in uniqueness in the personality of wines.

What is the first thing someone learning about wine should know?
The first thing one should learn is the varietals and their characteristics.

What are some of your favorite food and wine pairings?
Oyster and Chablis, lobster and Meursault, red meat with an aged Shiraz.

Do you think any rules should be adhered to when pairing?
One rule or guide: Food from a particular region will always go with a wine produced in the same region.

What are some of the benefits of drinking wine?
Pleasure of the palate and sharing.

What wines should no home be without?
Champagne

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?
I don't thinks gadgets are necessary a simple good wine key work well.

What are your three best tips, tricks or techniques for wine lovers?
Open the wine about a half hour (minimum) before pouring, make sure the temperature is correct and decant the wine if necessary.