Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/41419
Benjamin Musolf: The Bocce Bum "When I moved here from Michigan 14 years ago, I thought Chianti was Italian for wine," jokes jovial Benjamin, who can look back and laugh now that he's a Level Two Master Sommelier certified with the Court of Master Sommeliers and has earned his stripes as one of the most dynamic figures in the close-knit Livermore wine scene. At his restaurant Campo di Bocce, Benjamin shares his love of not only wine, but also bocce, and his status as a world-class player has earned him the nickname "Bocce Bum." But Benjamin is no slacker: Since opening Campo di Bocce, he and the restaurant team have worked closely with the community to plant roots and exchange ideas, resulting in award-winning success such as garnering the title of Most Innovative Pairing at the Livermore Valley's Wine & Food Experience (La Rochelle 2006 Pinot Noir with a lamb- stuffed squash blossom tamale). "The wine community in Livermore is a lot of fun," he says. "And that's what it should be—fun! If we all remember that, everything will be fine." Wilfred Wong: The Consumer Resource BevMo!'s Wilfred Wong. As Cellar Master at BevMo!, Wilfred's influence extends far beyond wine country. From his blog on the company's website, to his user-friendly suggestions in-store, to his influence as a longtime judge at the San Francisco International Wine Competition, Wilfred's reach as a buyer of importance is undeniable. Tasting anywhere between eight and ten thousand wines a year, Wilfred travels the globe in pursuit of the best wines, vintages and varietals to bring back to his customers (with a recent trip to Argentina igniting an ambassador- like passion for Torrontès at press time). World travels aside, Wilfred is also quick to honor the special wines coming out of California and points to Wente Family Vineyards as an example of what makes the California wine experi- ence so dynamic: "I've been a big fan of Wente for a long time," he says. "There's something special about being here, seeing the vines, walking the vineyards and then tasting the wines." Sharing his wine country experience, whether in Livermore or Mendoza, is Wilfred's primary focus, and his commitment to guid- ing the general public is commendable. Kelly Mitchell-Jacks: The Collaborator After spending 18 years working in restaurants and nearly seven years at Yountville's Bistro Jeanty, Kelly has earned her spot in the esteemed echelon of wine country professionals and considers herself largely self-taught along the way. "I took over the wine list not knowing very much, but since then, it's been amazing," she says modestly of her accomplishments. Kelly attributes part of her success not only to inspirational collaborations with other top industry names, but also to taking her cues from the people and produc- ers around her. "It's sort of like food and wine Disneyland in Yountville," she laughs, referring to the bevy of amazing restaurants in the area, and, of course, the wines produced in and around the region. "California is such a great place to choose wine from," she says. "From the small family producers to the big guys, you get it all here—and that wonder- ful selection is so reflective of what California can do." Kelly Mitchell-Jacks of Yountville's Bistro Jeanty september 201 1 / the tasting panel / 87