Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/188061
THE MEssAgE Loving the Learning Curve N ancy Sabatini, Wine Director of Countryside, IL–based MainStreet Wines, is the exuberant antidote to the snootiness that still courses through parts of the wine industry. A devotee to wine's "new normal" of approachability, she's a champion of education without intimidation—and in a male-dominated industry, too. "Wine once was only for those who achieved a certain high income," says Sabatini. "Now, there's passion about wine at affordable prices, too. People are like sponges, in that they're always looking for more information. Because they have such quick access to it, you have to step up your game and meet the customer's thirst for knowledge." Sabatini changed her game entirely seven years ago, when she transitioned from advertising to the study of the ancient beverage. It had to be the right fit, however: Distribution seemed unpredictable, and Illinois residency precluded winemaking—at least the wines Sabatini likes best, anyway. She is now an Intermediate-level certified by WSET (Wine Spirits & Education Trust), studying to be Advanced. "Education was where I knew I could excel," she says. "No one can ever take away an education. I taught classes at junior and community colleges, and now my students are my customers." Sabatini is also an advocate for women to become more involved in the wine business in the Chicago area, once again citing education, plus the ability to make personal connections as major strong points. "The educational component is crucial to a retailer having the importance of a sommelier," says Sabatini. "My goal is to ignite the customer's passion to discovering new wines and new wine regions." —Tom Caestecker Jr. Main Street Wine Director Nancy Sabatini, standing beside her treasure trove of industry publications and beloved maps of wine regions. Pacific northwest's Agave-Off sTARs OF CABERnET T T he Pacific Northwest is abundant with agave spirit, as evidenced by an incredible showing at the second annual Northwest Tequila Fest. The region's largest agave spirit tasting featured over 140 unique tequilas and mezcals from more than 40 producers. Organizer Jackie Moffett cites the tight cocktail community in the Pacific Northwest as a catalyst for the event. The Northwest's top mixologists gathered to create a Don Julio cocktail that would wow the a panel of judges from across the country. Top prize went to Michael Cadden of Tavern Law and Ocho in Seattle. Cadden's winning drink, The Red Don, won big points for creativity and was served in a frozen prickly pear. —Rachel Burkons The Red Don PHOTO COURTESY NORTHWEST he 5th annual STARS OF CABERNET is coming to Los Angeles on November 13 at the Five Diamond Peninsula Beverly Hills. The show is produced by LearnAboutWine. The event kicks off with an invitation-only Cabernet Seminar featuring special guests Jean Hoefliger of Alpha Omega Winery and Aaron Pott of Pott Wine. After the seminar, doors of the event open to the trade. STARS OF CABERNET L.A. supports the T. J. Martell Foundation, known for leukemia, AIDS and cancer research at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Confirmed winemakers, who will be pouring more than 100 wines, include: Ackerman, Somerston, Round Pond, ZD Wines, Louis Martini, Truchard, Joseph Phelps, Mt Brave, Anakota, Rombauer, Signorello, Lail, Snowden, Hall, Tournesol, Stelzner, St. Supéry, Knights Bridge, Cain, Frank Family, Kelleher, Heitz, Peju, Duckhorn, Laurel Glen, Silver Trident, Blackbird, Gentleman Farmer, Rosenthal, Rocca, Tierra Roja Veedercrest, Alpha Omega and more. Event is free for qualified trade. Register at www. starsofcabernet.com. ◗ 2 oz. Don Julio Blanco ◗ 1½ oz. pink pep- Michael Cadden serves up The Red Don. percorn and prickly pear shrub ◗ 1 oz. fresh lime juice ◗ Serve in a frozen prickly pear, garnish with drunk cherry and lemon twist. 18 / the tasting panel / october 2013 TP1013_001-33.indd 18 9/23/13 10:33 PM