The Tasting Panel magazine

September 2011

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Thomas DeBiase: The People-Pleaser Healdsburg Sommelier Thomas DeBiase from Barn Diva. Serving custom- ers comes first and foremost for Thomas, Sommelier at Healdsburg's Barn Diva, a restau- rant whose wine list is terroir-centric, with a definite focus on local produc- ers. "I've worked in the restaurant industry almost my whole life," explains Thomas. "To be a part of this business, in this industry means, to me, to serve. That mentality is what drives me to success." As a continuation of his quest for success in service, Thomas has also recently released his own proprietary DeBiase 2009 Fritschen Vineyards Pinot Noir, a release that he hopes will please the local palates as much as Barn Diva's local fresh fare has. Wente family members Philip, Eric and Karl in front of The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards A Salute to the Somms from the Wente Family Sarah Bondick: The Sustain- able Somm Wine Director and Mixologist Sarah Bondick works closely with Chef Sean Baker to match the quality and philosophy in the kitchen at Berkeley's Gather. Known for its rustic yet organic and sustainable cuisine, the restaurant employs micro- seasonal changes to the menu, which also reflects the evolving and innovative wine list. Sarah Bondick from Gather in Berkeley. As Fifth Generation Winemaker Karl Wente looked around The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards and saw the gathered crowd of talented industry professionals, he couldn't help but feel the weight of their success—and influence. "The number of wines these palates have tasted is truly humbling," he said, acknowledging that, as a winemaker and the son of one of California's most storied producers, these are the tastemakers of the industry, and they are responsible for ensuring that the Wente Family Estates wines make their way onto the table across wine country. Although THE TASTING PANEL only tips our hat to the somms of Northern California's wine country this time around, we know that it is a wide world of wine, and we look forward to saluting industry professionals across the country in upcoming issues. We couldn't agree more with Karl when he says, "To all of the somms out there helping people enjoy wine: Thank you!" september 201 1 / the tasting panel / 91

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