Meet our Expert Wine Team

Atanas Nechkov

What is your current position at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits? What is your experience in the world of wine?

I am currently a Sales Manager for ABC Fine Wine & Spirits specializing in French wines. I have been working in the wine industry for nearly 30 years and I am also a Court of Master Sommelier, Level 2.

What do you find most fascinating about the region you specialize in?

France is the original birthplace of modern-day classic wines and France still is the source for world’s greatest wines. I visit every year with ABC looking for new wines to add to our Sourced and Certified Collection.

What do you look for in a wine when shopping yourself?

Price. Value. Artisanal. Classic. Organic.

What are your top three tips for picking out a good wine?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get help from the experts. That is what we are here for. I would also say in order of priority, look for these terms on labels: estate, domain, chateau. Wine Cooperatives should be your next choice for quality and value.

Do you have a particular rule of thumb when it comes to pairing wine with food?

I go by the Stone Age rule. “If it tries to eat us, serve with red. If it runs away from us, serve with white.”

What wines have you discovered while traveling that are now in our Sourced and Certified Collection?

I have had a part in finding almost all of our French Sourced and Certified wines. Some of my favorite finds are in the French Rosé category, including Château Trians Provence Rosé and Domaine Gueguen Bourgogne Pinot Noir Rosé. The 2017 Gueguen Rosé was the best 100% Pinot Noir Rosé ever tasted by our wine committee. It wowed our expert team with its freshness, perfect balance and expressive aromas.

Shayne Hebert

How many years have you been with ABC? What experience do you have in the world of wine?

I began my career with ABC at the Winter Park location (#071) in April 1994, as a Wine Consultant. I am now a Sales Manager in the Orlando/Daytona areas. I have worked with wine for 35 years give or take, 25 of those years here at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits. Prior to that I worked for a wine & spirits wholesaler as well as a few retail shops in upstate NY.

What region do you specialize in?

Bordeaux and California are the two areas I focus on, although pretty much anything French or Italian would be found on my table at home!

What do you find most fascinating about the region you specialize in?

Well, with the wines of Bordeaux, it is history, the region has such a long and storied past relating to the production of top-quality wines. At the same time, Bordeaux has been experiencing a renaissance over the past 20+ years and that is definitely exciting as well. The quality of the wines here has never been higher!

California is quite different from Bordeaux. She is still in the discovery process, with up and coming regions that were relatively unheard of even ten years ago, gaining AVA status and becoming household names. The top wines continue to impress, and wines from places like the Sonoma Coast or Coombsville (to name only a few) have built a solid reputation almost overnight! Exciting stuff!

How often do you travel? Where have you been? What has been your favorite trip and why?

Having been with ABC for 25 years, I’ve had the pleasure of traveling quite a bit over the past years. I have been to Italy and France many times, Germany, Portugal, Australia and of course California. Austria, Switzerland, the Finger Lakes and Long Island, Canada and Washington State. Spain is on the bucket list! As for my favorite, that’s tough…in April 2013 at the annual barrel tasting in Bordeaux (UGC event) I had a day that I will never forget. It was my 50th birthday and I had the privilege of lunch with Olivier Bernard of Domaine de Chevalier… and if that weren’t enough for one day, a small group of us had dinner at Chateau Margaux with Corinne Mentzelopoulos and her Managing Director, the late Paul Pontallier. Oh, and that day in Arcachon where all we did all day was chase down local oysters and drink vintage Champagne… that was a good day as well!

What do you look for in a wine when shopping yourself?

Many people shop for wines to serve with dinner, and usually they have the meal decided and are wanting a wine that pairs well. I approach it the other way around. Working in the store all day, by quitting time I’ve had plenty of time to think the wine through, then will hit the grocery store to find something to match the wine! Fortunately, I like to cook, I can’t imagine asking the kid at the meat counter which cut he would recommend with a bottle of 2014 Chateau Cotes de Bellevue!

What is your favorite food and wine pairing?

Great question! I actually used to spend time at home breaking the pairing rules. I would serve Sauvignon Blanc with a roast, just to see why it isn’t recommended. And usually the rules of thumb are pretty accurate. Pairings that make my mouth water: Tapenade with Provence Rosé is possibly my favorite, but I love oysters and Muscadet as well as seared Ahi tuna or grilled salmon with Pinot Noir.

Why do you have a passion for wine? What made you want to start a career in wine?

I never really liked any of the awful beers that were popular when I was young (remember Carling Black Label, Schlitz.) I was never much of a spirit’s guy either so, it just seemed to make sense. I worked in an Italian restaurant in Syracuse, NY when I realized how much more money there was to be made if you could get a few bottles of wine on the check. So, I dug into Italian wines and within a year or two they gave me the wine list. Back then, there were very, very few people who had a good understanding of wine, and most people, even the waitstaff, would get nervous if there was a wine question. It was easy to become the guy they would point to and say…“ask him!”

What wines have you discovered while traveling that are now in our Sourced and Certified Collection? How did you find them? What did you like about them? Give us the story.

In addition to working on the Sourced & Certified selection for my two areas, I am also part of the Alliance group that selects wine for many of our Sourced & Certified brands, most importantly the Block wines. We taste for numerous brands including Fog Bank, Jackie and Octopoda. So, I don’t actually discover much but focus mainly on the wine quality. In Bordeaux, there’s not much that hasn’t been discovered, but this past year I wanted to have a selection of S&C wines that represent excellent value, with ratings, and packed in wood. We discovered quite a few!

Debbie Leatherland

How would you briefly describe your position at ABC?

I am an International Wine Buyer. Brevity may not be possible, but to make it sound simple: We evaluate wines that are coming from all parts of the world, we decide to purchase, I make sure that all government compliance is in order, create the order, and manage the logistics until it reaches the shelf.  There is a LOT of detail in the middle, forecasting, organizing the loads, foreign currencies, timing the orders to be ready to ship at the same time, and a lot of geography & being mindful of the weather.

How many years have you been with ABC? What was your starting position?

I have been with ABC Fine Wine & Spirits for 28 years. I began as a Bartender & Shift Manager, I had 12.5 years’ experience, but in those days, everyone started in an entry level position. 

How do you determine that a certain wine will work for ABC?

We keep up with global trends as well as what is trending in the states.

What do you find most fascinating about your job?

Every day is different, and even a challenging day is a great one.  I learn and I teach every single day.

Are there any particular moments or highlights that stand out in your career?

One particular moment I won’t soon forget was getting stranded in Italy for a week when the Iceland volcano paralyzed air traffic in 2010. When your accommodations are at a famous Chateau or a Castle, you don’t easily forget that.

How often do you travel?

At least two trips per year, one domestic and one international.

What has been your favorite place to visit?

I haven’t been there yet!  I have not been to China, Australia or New Zealand yet.

How long does it take to get a wine to the states?

It can take a while. I generally have lead time built into my forecast.  Dry goods have to be ordered by the winery: glass, shipping boxes, labels, corks & capsules.   The wine then has to be bottled, and you need to have to have enough product to ship in a container.  Then it gets taken to a port, loaded on a container ship and it sails.  It arrives in port, and once it clears customs, the wholesaler will deliver it to us.  I usually work 16 weeks in advance to have a cushion for weather, port delays, and strikes.

Is there a particular wine or winery that you have been most proud to partner with?

That is like asking a mom to tell you who her favorite child is! I love all of them equally!

What is your favorite food and wine pairing?

Bone-in Rib Eye and a big red wine!  But I won’t give away which big red wine.

If you aren’t sipping wine, what are you drinking?

Coffee, beer, gin & tonic or a dirty martini!  Sometimes I drink water!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Yes! I have been fortunate to build relationships both business and personal all over the world, when your work is this much fun, it’s hard to not love it!

Paul Quaglini

How many years have you been with ABC? What was your starting position?

I started with ABC in December of 1994 as a Wine Consultant. Now I am a Sales Manager in the South Florida area specializing in Italian Wines.

What qualifications/certifications do you have that relate to your field?

I am a Court of Master Sommelier Level 2, WSET Level 3, and Vinitaly International Italian Wine Ambassador.

How many years of experience do you have in the wine-world?

Oh wow, I graduated from college in 1983 so ever since then. That’s 35 + years. Way to make a guy feel old!

What do you find most fascinating about the region you specialize in?

Where do I begin? The way wine is so much a part of the history, culture, food and the essence of all things Italian.

How often do you travel? Where have you been?

I travel two to three times a year. I’ve been all over Europe, California, Washington and Argentina. Hard to pick favorites but Italian people have a hospitality like no one else.

What do you look for in a wine when shopping yourself?

I love interesting, esoteric wines that over deliver for the money.

What are your top three tips for picking out a good wine?

I would say three good guidelines would be 1. Be adventurous. 2 Trust your own palate. 3. Match the wine to the setting.

What is your favorite food and wine pairing?

Nebbiolo with some incredibly savory homemade Italian food.

Why do you have a passion for wine? What made you want to start a career in wine?

Wine is so much more than just a beverage. It is tied to the history and culture of the people who make it. There is a story to be told in every bottle.

Are there any particular moments or highlights that stand out in your career?

I’m very proud of the Italian Ambassador exam I passed in 2017.

What wines have you discovered while traveling?

There are a number of Italian wines in our Sourced & Certified collection that I have found during my travels. Almost every year I attend one of the world’s largest wine trade shows, Vinitaly. Thousands of wine producers meet in Verona Italy to present their wines to professional wine enthusiast like myself. Discoveries from this year’s exhibition include wines from Muri-Gries, Vietti and Badia a Coltibuono.

Dan Eddy

How many years have you been with ABC? What was your starting position?

I have been with ABC for 9 years. I started as a Wine Consultant Assistant and I am now the Sales Manager in the Northeast Florida region.

How many years of experience do you have in the wine-world?

I have 29 years of experience in the wine industry and 25 of those as a wine educator.

What region do you specialize in?

For ABC I specialize in Washington, Oregon and New York (technically, North America that is not California, but these are the BIG three after Cali.) Personally, I LOVE wines from all over the world and we have to be experts on every wine and in every wine region.

What do you find most fascinating about the region you specialize in?

The vast variety of varietals in Washington State (as well as a great quality for price ratio) and the surprising varietal specificity of Oregon, which is very Pinot Noir-focused, and yet they are Northwest neighbors.

How often do you travel? Where have you been?

I travel every year. All over the wine world including Washington, Oregon and California, domestically. I have been to France, Italy and Germany in Europe. I have been to Argentina and Chile, and Australia and New Zealand as far as world wine regions. My favorite trip is very hard as I’ve been incredibly lucky to have many amazing trips, but a recent standout was my time at Oregon Pinot Camp which was one of the most educational wine trips I’ve ever experienced, and exceptionally wine geeky with just people in the industry attending.

What do you look for in a wine when shopping yourself?

I have many many favorites and for me it’s context: What am I eating? With whom I am sharing the wine and what do they like? And then like everyone else I look for a great value quality ratio which all of our Sourced & Certified options provide.

What is your favorite food and wine pairing?

There are just so many. I love pairing barbecue with Zinfandel or a Zinfandel/Petite Sirah blend. I love French Sancerre (Sauvignon Blanc) with French Chevre (goat cheese). I love Porto wine with English Blue Stilton cheese, but a really nice steak with a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is just simple and sublime. In the end don’t forget this axiom: every meal is enhanced by wine and every wine is enhanced by food.

Why do you have a passion for wine? What made you want to start a career in wine?

I can blame my French mother, who exposed me to fine wine and French food at a young age, plus we would travel to France to visit my grandmother, so the passive exposure had a lasting impact. 28 years ago I needed a job and I had a friend who worked at a local Wine & Cheese shop in Gainesville, Florida, and since I had some knowledge (thanks to my French mom) I took the position, intending to go back to college and become a professor. I didn’t, as the Wine Biz was just too darn interesting (and we get to drink).

Are there any particular moments or highlights that stand out in your career?

So many it’s hard to list them and it’s even harder to pick out just a few highlights. As I said before Oregon Pinot Camp was an amazing wine geek experience, and I attended “Taste Washington” this year which is a similar educational event in Seattle, Washington. I’ve had a couple of Italian Wine Trips with Nadia Galati, which are always memorable but my last featured a top Italian Chef, Enrica Rocca, who happens to be a very old friend of the Princess Isabella of Collalto, so we got to shop the open markets of Venice with both of them and then go back to Enrica’s home (which was basically just a big kitchen with a couple of couches and a bed) and make a classic Venetian meal by hand. That was pretty darn amazing, and I have many more…

What wines have you discovered while traveling?

Cooper Hill Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. I discovered them when I was attending Oregon Pinot Camp a few years ago (with hundreds of other Oregon wines), but these stood out for value and because they are organic. Michael Hughes, who works for Cooper Mountain which makes Cooper Hill, was my “Pinot Camp Counselor” on my bus and we struck up a conversation, had a few laughs when our bus overheated on a very nontypical hot Oregon summer day, and he made sure I tried his wines at the first opportunity. I was impressed with what they provided for under $20 per bottle, an incredible value price ratio.

Do you have anything else you would like to add?

I have been a practicing Wine Educator for over 25 years, teaching classes for both Santa Fe College Adult Education and the University of Florida Leisure Course program in Gainesville, as well as hosting private wine seminars and educative wine tasting parties. I always felt that the best way to force yourself to learn is to teach. This is why I enjoy working our store Tastings and teaching our Features/New Items classes for our Teams, getting people educated and interested in the vast category of wine has been one of my passions for a couple of decades.

Heather Burton

What is your role at ABC?

Senior Wine & Acquisition Manager which means I manage our Sourced & Certified domestic portfolio and I filter all unsolicited product submissions. I am also a Certified Specialist of Wine.

How do you determine that a certain wine will work for ABC?

I determine if a wine will work in our stores by combining our own category analytic information with market news and data…and sometimes you just got to go with your gut.

What do you find most fascinating about your job?

Product development and innovation. I am particularly into a spirit we recently added to our Sourced and Certified Collection called Coast Vodka. It is a bag of vodka in a cardboard box – my pet project at the moment.

Are there any particular moments or highlights that stand out in your career?

It is always a highlight when products that I’ve fought for to have a place on our shelves make their mark and stand out in their categories becoming big sellers for ABC. That’s a win for everyone.

Can you explain the process (from finding it to having it hit store shelves) of how a Sourced & Certified wine/spirit comes to be?

Wow, that is a very complicated question! In short, myself and a team of ABC wine experts plan our annual buying trip to California every year of course doing research while also combing industry publications for ratings and information. When several lists overlap that property/winery goes on our radar, so pick up the phone and start the conversation of explaining who we are and what we do and explore a possible partnership.

What do you look for in a S&C wine/spirit?

Quality over quantity is paramount! Value is equally important. I want it to be something that the guest will want to buy again, they will want to tell their friends about – something that they can only get from or heard about from us…

What is your favorite S&C wine and why?

Gibbs Cabernet Franc. It took 2 years to get an appointment with these guys and boy was it worth the wait!! They are family owned and operated, just like we are, and there are a lot of synergies there. Their wines are stunning, and you can’t beat the price!

What is your favorite S&C spirit and why?

Again, Coast Vodka. The quality is superb. It is a one-of-a-kind product made in Florida. Their innovation is ahead of the category.

How many wines/spirits do you taste in a given month (for work)? How many of those will make it to stores?

I roughly taste between 50 and 150 wines and spirits a month, but only 10 to 15 of those ever make it to our store shelves.

What is the best part of the S&C collection?

I think that our Sourced and Certified wine selection is second to none in every category, and we are getting better with spirits. The most unique and exciting are probably our single barrel bourbons that we pick in Kentucky every year.

How often do you travel? What has been your favorite place to visit?

I have had the honor of going to Kentucky a few times to pick out single barrel bourbons. It is truly one of my favorite things to do and Kentucky is really an amazing place. I was also lucky enough to visit Spain this spring and it was too beautiful and amazing to put into words. I’m going to build a yurt there.

Dave Malone

What is your role at ABC? How long have you been a part of the team?

I have been at ABC for 18 years and started as a clerk. I am now a Sales Manager in Northwest Florida specializing in California wines.

What qualifications do you want to boast about?

I currently hold the WSET Level 3, Advanced Award in Wine & Spirits. I also have a master’s degree in marketing and have published research on wine buying habits and trends.

What do you find most fascinating about the region you specialize in?

I enjoy the diversity of selection and styles of wine available from California.

How often do you travel?

I travel as often as I can or am asked to.

Where have you been?

For wine-related travel, I have been to California, Oregon, Washington, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain.

What has been your favorite trip and why?

My first trip to Burgundy (France) has probably been my favorite. It was very eye-opening and gave me great insight into what makes this area so special in the wine world.

What do you look for in a wine when shopping yourself?

I look for a wine that delivers excellent bang for the buck, at all price ranges.

What are your top three tips for picking out a good wine?

My top three tips are look for a producer with a track record of quality, shop areas off the beaten path, and don’t be afraid to try more obscure grapes from producers that specialize in those grapes.

What is your favorite food and wine pairing?

My favorite food and wine pairing is a “Cab and a slab” aka Cabernet Sauvignon paired with grilled steak.

When you aren’t sipping wine, what are you drinking?

When not sipping wine, I enjoy local craft beers, cognac or aged rum.

Why do you have a passion for wine? What made you want to start a career in wine?

My career in wine was purely accidental. I got my job at ABC because I was a broke college student that needed a job and ABC was the first to offer me one. Once I got into the industry and got my “feet wet,” I was bitten by the bug, so to speak. I love wine for its diversity; every bottle is slightly different, even when made by the same producer. And I love the endless information that is available. Its literally impossible to know everything there is to know about wine, and this is awesome.

Are there any particular moments or highlights that stand out in your career?

They day I found out I passed the WSET3 stands out to me; it was one of the toughest, yet most rewarding things I’ve ever done in my career.

What wines have you discovered while traveling that are now in our Sourced and Certified Collection?

In August of 2016 while on vacation in Oregon I was sightseeing one morning and passed a winery (Byrn Mawr) whose sign read “tasting room open.” Being the opportunistic fella I am, I ventured down their driveway and was greeted by a rather confused look on a young lady’s face that didn’t expect to see anyone ready to taste wine at 9:30 a.m. Come to find out, she hung the sign before they opened thinking no one would show up early to taste to avoid making a second trip up to the main road. Emily, who happened to be the winemaker, and I chatted for a bit, tasted through their wines, then came the question. “So, Dave, what is it you do in Florida?” And the rest, as they say, is history. No matter the region of origin, I am always drawn to family-run wineries who stay dedicated to the craft of making fine wines at all price points, and this is exactly what Byrn Mawr is. Small, family-owned (their house is above the winery) and dedicated to making the best wines they can in Oregon.

Bill Stobbs

How has your role developed at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits?

I have been with ABC for twenty years. I started as a Wine Consultant in Crystal River and was promoted two and a half years later. Since then, at one time or another, I have overseen sales at every ABC store on the west coast of Florida from Naples in the south to Destin in the panhandle. I am currently a Sales Manager specializing in southern hemisphere wines- Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina, Chile, etc., so I like to tell people I cover half the world. But I love wines from many places.

How many years of experience do you have in the wine-world?

32 years. I started by tending bar in a reggae club, then became bar manager and assistant manager of my parent’s hotel in Cornwall, England. When they sold that I moved to Florida and started with ABC.

What do you find most fascinating about the region you specialize in?

I am amazed by their diversity and the fact that they produce so many great wines, many of which have yet to be internationally recognized. They are still growing areas in the world market despite all the wine they produce.

How often do you travel? Where is your favorite location to venture to?

I travel usually twice a year, one international trip, one domestic trip. I have been to most regions of France (many times), most regions of Italy (many times), many regions of Spain (a few times), many regions of Germany (a few times), Austria, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, Chile, California (many times), Washington, and I lived in England for many years. Difficult to pick a favorite trip. I love the wine and the way of life in France and Italy very much so every trip there is memorable. I was extremely impressed with Austria as a country and for the great wines they produce, many of which I had never tried before. New Zealand and South Africa also impressed me deeply both as places and for the wonderful wines they make. Also, you know, wherever you travel and meet with winemakers and winery owners you come across so many interesting, friendly, committed, passionate, and compassionate people which is always a joy no matter where.

What do you look for in a wine when shopping yourself?

Like many people who are passionate about wine I love to try wines from regions I am less familiar with as well as grape varieties I am less familiar with. My regular go-to’s include Champagne and good sparkling wine, dry rosé, dry sherry, the wines of Alsace, Bordeaux, Tuscany, Australia (Barossa, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Margaret River), New Zealand, and South Africa.

What are your top three tips for picking out a good wine?

1) If your budget is limited stay away from Cabernet, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay – you will probably get more bang for your buck with those wonderful lesser-sought-after varietals like Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Malbec, Tempranillo, etc.

2) Don’t always go for one brand – most wine staff in stores are there because they are passionate about what they do and love introducing wines they have recently discovered to you – so don’t be afraid to talk to them and try something new. 3) If you are shopping at ABC look for our many Sourced and Certified wines. These are wines that our very passionate Wine Team – of which I am proud to be a member - have found especially for you. All are excellent wines at their many price points.

Why do you have a passion for wine? What made you want to start a career in wine?

I have always enjoyed wine, but when I became bar manager at my parent’s hotel we had a restaurant that sat 100 people and a wine list of 150 wines. I had a lot to learn about very quickly through reading, talking with professionals, and a lot of sampling. The passion really began there, and ABC is a company that believes very firmly in education, so they helped me continue to travel and learn with some of the best people in the business.

What wines have you discovered while traveling that are now in our Sourced and Certified Collection?

Let’s start with something white. Jules Taylor Grüner Veltliner from Marlborough, New Zealand. This was the very first wine I discovered for ABC. I had written a blog about the Jules Taylor wines that we carried and – having recently returned from a trip to Austria where I fell in love with the Grüner grape variety – I casually mentioned that Jules Taylor also makes a Grüner Veltliner that I would love to try. Well, apparently Jules Taylor read my blog because she sent me two bottles. I tasted them, enjoyed them very much, recommended them to the ABC team and the rest is history.

I first met Mary Lou Nash, self-taught American winemaker/owner, at her home in Paarl, South Africa. She is quite a wonderful character and hers is an interesting story. Born in Maine, she went to Japan to teach English. Meanwhile her father bought a beautiful property in South Africa. When she went to visit, she found a section of the property which contained grape vines that were just being left to rot. Immediately she arranged to pick the grapes, put them in a tractor and drove the tractor herself to the local wine co-op (and believe me it was extremely rare to see a woman driving a tractor in South Africa back in the 1990’s!) From there she studied winemaking and now she is an award-winning winemaker with many 90+ point ratings for her wines. Her wines are one of the best sellers at Disney and are retail exclusive to ABC in Florida. (PS. She also makes a great home brew beer!)

When you are not tasting or talking about wine, what are you doing?

I was once, in one of my prior existences, a starving poet/philosopher, occasionally published in literary magazines around the world. I do very little of that anymore but some of it is still in my heart and I hope shows through in the wines that I love. I am also a music fan – largely classical but listening to all kinds really – and have an archive of over 8000 CD’s and vinyl discs. I also have a strange fascination with old silent movies.

Nathan Dale

What is your role at ABC?

I am currently a Sales Manager but started 8 years ago at ABC as a Wine Consultant. My passions are Champagne, Italian wine, white Burgundy, and German wines, but my current dedicated area is spirits.

How many years of experience do you have in the wine-world?

10 years of wine world experience and am WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) level 3.

How often do you travel? Where is your favorite destination?

I travel as often as possible, and 2 to 3 times a year for work.  Professionally I have been all over Italy and France, and have gone to Napa, Paso Robles, Lake County, Sonoma, as well as Scotland and New Zealand.

What do you look for in a wine when shopping yourself?

I like to seek out interesting and lesser known producers.  Esoteric is good in my book.

What are your top three tips for picking out a good wine?

1. Think about what you are familiar with and try out a new producer from that region, smaller producers can be more adventurous.

2. If it looks weird, don’t be afraid to take the chance on it. You may be surprised.

3. Buy a nice Tuscan red, Vintage Champagne, White Burgundy from the Cote de Beaune, or nice German Riesling. Easy rules to play by.

What is your favorite food and wine pairing?

I love Champagne and caviar. Hey, I’m that guy…

When you aren’t sipping wine, what are you drinking?

My favorite cocktail is the Boulevardier, I also enjoy fruited sour beers.

Are there any particular moments or highlights that stand out in your career?

Every time a guest comes back and tells me how much they enjoyed the selections I picked for them is about as rewarding as it gets.  Passing some of the tough wine exams I have taken isn’t bad either…

When you aren’t sipping or talking about wine, what are you doing?

I am a music nut and an audiophile.  I love hiking and camping.  I love to cook.  Is this a dating profile?

Alex Poreda

How would you describe your position with ABC?

I am the Director of Sales which means I am a bus driver.  I drive a bus full of wine geeks, accountants, guests and suppliers.  I try to keep everyone happy and going in the same direction.  In addition to that, I am involved in anything that touches sales from merchandising, product selection, shelf sets, marketing, purchasing and pricing.

How long have you been in the wine/spirit industry?

I was hooked on my first bartending job with the Ritz Carlton in 1988.  Since then, I have sold wine and spirits by the glass, the bottle or the case so 31 years(ouch). I have been fortunate to work for great companies over this time including Marriott, Caesar’s Casino, Harrah’s casino, Southern Wine and Spirits and now ABC Fine Wine and Spirits.  All of these experiences have molded me over time with 2 common links, customer service and alcohol.  Not sure there is a better option for me that retail wine and spirits.

How often do you travel?

Personally about 4-5 times per year and almost always includes California, Kentucky and somewhere in Europe.  ABC sends 100+ team members around the globe yearly to find new items for our guests or for education purposes.  These trips are usually led by one of the members of the Sales team that I am part of.

Do you have a favorite wine region?

The great thing about wine is that amazing grapes grow in some of the most beautiful places on the planet. I have been fortunate to visit many of these wine regions and they are all special in their own way but Italy and Argentina both bring back fond memories.

What is the best wine you’ve ever found and brought to ABC and why?

A few stand out not only for the wine but for the effort of the team.  Octopoda Cabernet Franc and Giorgi Costarosa Bianco were projects that the entire team worked on from concept to selection/blending of juice to label design and launch. It is gratifying to create items like these that become favorites of our guests.

How many wines/spirits do you taste in a given month (for work)? How many of those will make it to stores?

Our vetting process has multiple stages.  Each wine or spirit is tasted by the Sales Manager that is responsible for that region.  They judge the quality to price, the demand for the category and our current selection.  If they feel it is an opportunity for us, they present to the full team of 11 at our monthly meeting and then we vote.  So as far as numbers…200+ items are presented monthly, 80-100 make it to the monthly meeting and less than 10% of those make it to our shelves.  We are extremely selective, and our guests seem to really appreciate that.

How do you determine which wines make it to ABC stores?

Everything ends up being quality to price driven.  No matter the retail, a wine or spirit needs to overdeliver for the price for guests not only to buy once but to rebuy.

What makes ABC’s wine selection stand out from other stores?

Walk into one of our stores we almost always have what you are looking for.  Need a sparkling wine at $10, we have you covered.  Need a sparkling wine at $200, same here.  We truly strive to cover all of our guests needs no matter the price or the region.

In your opinion, what is the difference between a good wine and a great wine? Is it the vintage, the price, the terrain, the country, the varietal, the experience?

A good wine is a $10 Cabernet that drinks like a $15 Cabernet.  A great wine is a $10 Cabernet that drinks like a $25 Cabernet.

What’s your favorite part of your job and why?

Oddly enough it’s not the travel or the tasting (micro drinking) it is the actual work.  I really enjoy time at my desk reviewing retails, putting together a merchandise plan or analyzing categories.  I like the sense of accomplishment on completing recurring tasks and crossing things off the list that must be done.  I like to think my diligence and focus on these tasks play a small role in the success of ABC.

What is your favorite everyday drinking wine?

Whatever is in my glass at that moment.

What is your favorite special occasion wine?

Whatever is in my glass at that moment.

Do you have anything else you would like to add?

Rock and Roll will never die!

Jim Greely

What is your current position at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits? What is your experience in the world of wine?

I am currently a Sales Manager for ABC Fine Wine & Spirits specializing in the wine regions in Europe outside of France & Italy including Spain, Portugal and Germany.

What do you find most fascinating about the region you specialize in?

Throughout Europe, it’s commonplace for the local wine to be served with the local cuisine.Wine and the regions that produce them are an extension of the cultures and people they represent. In Spain it’s a reflection of the country’s autonomous communities like the Basques, Catalans, Galicians and Andalusians.

How often do you travel? Where have you been? What has been your favorite trip and why?

Over the years I’ve been fortunate to visit many of the great wine regions around the world, especially in Europe, South America and the USA. These include Bordeaux, Rioja, the Mosel, the Douro, Mendoza, Napa and Willamette. Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are still on the bucket list.

What do you look for in a wine when shopping yourself?

• Quality Price Ratio: wine that overdelivers for its price point.

• Wines with a sense of place that have a taste of the soil from which they come.

• Food pairing: what am I having for dinner?

What are your top three tips for picking out a good wine?

Try before you buy. Our stores feature wine stations with an opportunity to taste before you make your purchase. Also, don’t be afraid to sample different styles of wine from different places. Our wine tasting events are a great place to explore. Lastly, if you’re lost on your wine journey, ask us for directions. We’re here for you! We also have dedicated Sales Consultants available in our stores to assist you. Many of them have travelled throughout the wine world too.

What is your favorite food and wine pairing?

I can’t name just one, although some of the best food and wine pairings are the simplest: Fino Sherry & a bowl of green olives, German Riesling & pork chops, raw oysters & Muscadet, Pouilly Fumé & goatcheese, Barbera d’Asti & pizza, Malbec & steak, Tempranillo & lamb.

Why do you have a passion for wine? What made you want to start a career in wine?

Wine enjoyment is personal and subjective. A great glass of wine can be a travelogue unto itself. An older vintage wine can be a living snapshot in time. For me, discovering a new wine to appreciate can be nothing short of an epiphany; that “Aha!” moment when you’re amazed by what you smell & taste. It can change your perspective.

When you are not enjoying a glass of vino, what are you doing?

In addition to wine and spirits, I occasionally enjoy a great cigar as well. I believe the origin of a great cigar is not dissimilar from that of great wine: it all ties back to the soil. Volcanic sub-soils in the vineyardarepart of Napa Valley’s greatness. Similarly, volcanic soil is also the originof great tobacco in Estelí, Nicaragua. For a cigar & wine pairing, I find fortified wines with a bit of sweetness like vintage port, rich madeiraor cream sherry tend to work well, especially after dinner. Wine is certainly not a cigar’s only friend, however. Other suitable tipples include Cognac, aged Rum, Bourbon & Single Malt Scotchfor spirits and Porter or Stout for beer.

Janessa Schuster

What is your current position at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits? What is your experience in the world of wine?

I currently hold the position of Sales Manager. My passion for wine was ignited during my time at culinary school. Subsequently, I obtained several wine certifications and began my journey with ABC when I was 21 years old.

What do you look for in a wine when shopping yourself?

I usually steer clear of catchy labels and wines with a bunch of advertisements on them. Everything else is fair game because you never know what you're going to fall in love with. I always say, you won’t know a wine is your favorite until you have tried it! It's kind of like dating, you must go through a lot of options before you find the right fit.

What are your top three tips for picking out a good wine?

1) Ask our knowledgeable team members what they have been drinking lately. 2) Don't be afraid to spend time researching the wine. 3) Buy wines from producers and places you're completely unfamiliar with.

Do you have a particular rule of thumb when it comes to pairing wine with food?

Observe what the people from that wine region eat and replicate that. I believe it's easier to tailor the food to the wine rather than the other way around.

We know you love wine, but you are also a spirits expert. What do you look for in spirits when shopping for yourself?

Honestly, it's all about sampling and finding what YOU like. Everyone’s palate is going to be different, so take advantage of the free samples we offer and try them all. You never know what you’re going to like and there are always tons of new arrivals to try.

What is your favorite part of the job and why?

I like helping my team gain the confidence to recommend products to guests. We're able to try so many different items, and we're always finding new favorites we think our regular guests will love. I enjoy seeing my team make recommendations or pour available items at the tasting bar.