Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/898117
78 / the tasting panel / november 2017 MÁD AMBASSADOR S ince The Tasting Panel's sister publication The SOMM Journal officially declared 2017 "The Year of Furmint," sommeliers and restaurateurs have flocked to Hungary's Tokaj region to learn more about the country's indigenous variety. The timing couldn't have been better for Tom and Vicki Dolan, the Owners of Toma Restaurant & Bar—a romantic eatery just steps from the waterfront in Santa Barbara, California. Every year, Tom researches a different growing region where he can visit in the most immersive way possible: on foot. "Locals know that I hike through these different countries, so they'll often ask, 'What did you discover this year, Tom?'" he adds. TOM AND VICKI DOLAN BRING A PIECE OF HUNGARY TO SANTA BARBARA by Michelle Ball / photos by Jeremy Ball Furmint Comes to the Coast Attila Balla, President of Vinum Tokaj International, meets with Tom Dolan, Owner of Toma Restaurant & Bar, and Károly Kovács, entrepreneur and co- owner of Szent Tamás Winery and Mad Wine, at Dolan's restaurant in Santa Barbara, California.