Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/818616
may 2017 / the tasting panel / 89 For Serafin Alvarado, Bass Guitarist for The Rack & The Riddler, Master Sommelier and Director of Wine Education, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits of Illinois, music has long been an integral part of life, even if it may have taken a backseat during a busy period of his journey. Born in Brooklyn before moving to Puerto Rico at age nine, Alvarado clearly recalls music in his childhood memories. From Brooklyn, he comments, "I remember that disco-Motown era—specifically the baselines. Then, in Puerto Rico, the sound is rhythmic, and every gathering has people playing music." After performing in the high school band, Alvarado attained a music scholarship to the University of Puerto Rico. His parents were not wild about the idea of him becoming a rock star, so they agreed he would major in chemistry, a choice that would end up supporting his later career in wine. With a new budding family, Alvarado decided to enter the hotel industry, which would also bolster his foray into wine. Coming across the Court of Master Sommeliers program, however, catapulted the ambitious man into action; he moved to Chicago to work for Charlie Trotter in 2001 and achieved his Master Sommelier diploma in 2005. Music re-entered Alvarado's life shortly thereafter as he suddenly found that he once again had free time to enjoy. "I approached it very differently, with a wine mentality, which made it more exciting for me," explains Alvarado. He found fellow musicians within his professional circle who were also missing music in their lives. They began getting together for jam ses- sions before realizing two things: They enjoyed playing together, and they were good! They officially formed The Rack & The Riddler in 2014 and were booked around the Chicago area. "The parallels are so evident between wine and music for me," shares Alvarado. We started talking about how we taste wine, especially as wine professionals. We identify flavor pro- files, often trying to decipher soil types or winemaking choices from these clues. We identify the core structure of a wine; we break it down into body, acidity, alcohol and tannin. "It got me thinking—maybe this is how we simplify wine for people. It's supposed to be fun. You don't break music down in to its core structure. That's how wine should be as well," enthuses Alvarado. He started working with Rachel Driver-Speckan, Corporate Wine Education Director/Beverage Director at Chicago's City Winery, to create shows where they would pair wine and music. City Winery had previously been hosting these presentations, and having a Master Sommelier as both the musician and the wine educator helped elevate the program. "We just wanted to do something to bring together the community—to enjoy wine in a totally different setting," he shares. He has since explored the idea of wine and music further and is leading a seminar on the subject at this year's Society of Wine Educators Annual Conference. Wine, music and bringing the two together have become Alvarado's latest life pursuit. If his past successes are any indication, this unification will continue to gain esteem. Both have the ability to captivate our mind, stimulate our senses and evoke deep emotions within us. One on One with Serafin Alvarado Bass Guitarist for The Rack & The Riddler and Master Sommelier and Director of Wine Education for Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits of Illinois. "The parallels are so evident between wine and music for me," explains Serafin Alvarado.