The Italian Wine Guy

Elevate Your Wine Journey

Photos by : Joel Nunez-Smith
www.joelnunezsmith.com

Customized Experiences For All Your Needs

Tailored consultations that meet your specific needs and preferences,

whether you're a Restaurant Owner trying to maximize the revenue of your Wine Program

or you're a wine enthusiast that needs to be guided through the world of fine wine,

we can help design the perfect experience around your vision.

Whether you want an interactive event for your company or business where guests and employees can enjoy

a dinner with dedicated wine pairing that enhances the flavors of each course designed by the chef ;

or you would like to host gift your best clients an unforgettable wine tour in the best wine regions of the world ,

driving down a cypress lined road in the heart of Tuscany or sipping a glass of Nebbiolo on top of the hill overlooking the village of Barolo, we can create a bespoke and memorable experience just for you!

Your collection will increase in value thanks to our extensive network of wine lovers that source rare collectible wines... a selection of the best wines that stand the test of time.

How We HelpRestaurant Businesses

As dedicated wine specialists, we not only enhance the wine selection, but we also help restaurants to create the best overall beverage offer; creating excitement in each team by providing knowledge, passion,

and storytelling to the staff in a more dynamic way,

with targeted tasting to increase the understanding

and intricacies of each product.

Investing in your staff through proper training and increased wine knowledge means

better comprehension of the wine service

and more revenue for your business.

We Plan YourPrivate Corporate Events

Let us organize your Exclusive Corporate Event

or host a private wine dinner to impress your VIP clients.

A wine tasting can be a great idea for team building , client entertainment, networking, celebrating milestones or simply to add value to your team's wine knowledge.

Whether it is an on site meeting or seminar,

or an off-site event at one of the most historic and esteemed wineries around the world

with our special partners,

Our approach to your special occasion will be engaging and illustrious!

Let Us Enhance YourPrivate Dinner

At home or at an exclusive venue ,

having a Private Sommelier is a luxurious and rewarding experience,

augmenting the sensorial part of the dinner and stimulating the learning process,

while of course tasting delicious wines.

During the dinner the Sommelier will illustrate the theory behind food & wine pairing,

delight guests with stories and histories about the wine served, all the while keeping the invitee entertained

with curious notes about the Elusive Wine World.

Wine Investment Consulting

Wine can be a lucrative venture and we are here to help you make the right decision about where to invest.

We consult for private clients looking to improve the value of their wine cellars by providing special wines sourced through our exclusive network .

We provide guidance on when to buy or sell based on market trends and we manage your private portfolio

or your Wine Investment Funds Group.

Watch the value of your collection increase

and enjoy the best selection of wines!

We assure a diversified portfolio across

different regions, grape varieties

and vintages,

only the Best wines in the World!

Initial Cellar Set Up

Setting up your Private Cellar involves a comprehensive approach to ensure that the space is well designed, the cellar is stocked with quality wines, and is properly maintained for optimal aging,

enjoyment and investment potential.

We provide a preliminary meeting to understand clients preferences, goals and budget .

Once we identify the client's priorities we study a cellar design based on space and storage layout.

After establishing the client's wine profile, we curate a selection of recommended wines and assist with purchasing and delivery to your home.

Your cellar will be purposefully organized and each wine will be categorized, creating a database with inventory to track the collection's contents.

Rare Wines Sourcing

Tailored wine selection and professional services for clients who are passionate about acquiring exceptional wines.

Our expertise is specialized in locating and acquiring rare and collectible wines for our customers ,

thanks to market's knowledge and industry connections ,

we are able to source high end bottles and ensure authenticity and quality.

Our extensive network allow us to connect with wineries, private collectors , auction houses and other professionals,

giving access to exclusive allocations, limited releases and rare bottles that are not available to the public.

This knowledge allow us to identify only original bottles and guarantee the quality of it.

We arrange the transportation and proper handling and storage during transportation ,

provide suggestions on cellar management , wine rotation and consuming advice.

Whatever you are collecting or drinking we can help you to enjoy the best experience.

Virtual Wine Tasting

A private virtual wine tasting is a unique and personalized experience, creating a memorable moment that allow participants to learn about wine from the comfort of their home.

It combines education, entertainment and

cultivates interactive involvement.

After a preliminary discussion with the customer we determine the wines to be tasted,

number of participants in attendance,

and identify the dedicated glassware needed.

We can arrange the wine delivery and

guide you through how to properly prepare for the tasting by suggesting wine temperature,

bottle opening timing, and decanting if necessary.

At the scheduled time I will lead the wine tasting by providing information about each wine such as the origin, organoleptic characteristic,

and potential food pairing.

We encourage discussion between participants and we provide answers and

clarifications to any of your wine musings.

A new exciting way to learn about this noble nectar!

Wine Country Itinerary Planning

Consulting with a private sommelier can enhance your experience and ensure you make the most

of your trip to any wine region.

After determining your destination we will propose

a customized itinerary based on budget and goals by

considering factors such as desired travel destinations,

quality and rarity of wines produced in the area,

availability of accommodations and winery reputation.

We will schedule wine tasting with the wineries ,

appointments for additional tours, transportation, and restaurant recommendations .

Before your trip we provide you

with in depth background about the wineries

you'll be visiting, wines produced,

winemaker's philosophies and techniques,

and etiquettes to be aware of.

This will help the guests to engage in meaningful conversation while on site

and to have a more profound understanding

of the work that goes into producing

these amazing wines.

About Me

Born in the in the coastal city of Pesaro, the northernmost city in the region of Marche, nestled in the heart of Italy,

I grew up in a traditional Italian family that emphasized the values of food, wine and togetherness.

My family owned one of most recognized restaurants in my area for 37 years, called "La Casina Del Bosco".

This early exposure to the culinary world sparked my passion for hospitality and fine dining.

The early memories of my large family all together,

sharing happy moments were my Nonna cooked along with my mom and my aunts,

my Nonno and the men of the family laughed, told stories, and drank wine, all together.

My love for wine started very early, when my Nonno and I used to go to the Consorzio del Vino del Paese

(the local consortium for wines of the village), to buy wine for the restaurant.

I can still feel the strong and pungent smell of wine that hit you as soon as you stepped inside

the Consorzio Del Vino, and the sheer awe I felt as my Grandpa pushed me around in the wheelbarrow as we decided which wines to buy. To this day, any time I set foot in a cantina, I am brought back to those precious moments.

At the age of 18, I moved to London to explore the world and to learn a new language, meet new people, try new foods.

There, I had the opportunity to work as a server at the iconic Italian fine dining restaurant,

Osteria San Lorenzo, in Knightsbridge.

There, I had the privilege of meeting the most famous jet-set personalities from around the world and I acquired the training and refinement to interact with London's most discerning clientele.

After my time in London, I returned to Pesaro and began working at a local seafood restaurant, Al Molo da Peppe,

a small family seafood restaurant that taught me the highest level of seafood service, like how to artfully debone a fish.

Seeking new experiences, I then embarked on a brief, yet intense journey to the renowned Hotel Palace in Gstaad, Switzerland. This experience further honed my skills and expanded my knowledge of the hospitality industry.

My exploration of hospitality and fine dining took me to

Dublin, Ireland, where I joined Bar Italia, an Italian company with multiple locations in the city;

the beautiful Côte d'Azur in France, where I worked as a server at the esteemed 1 Michelin star restaurant,

Le Clos St Pierre.

Under the guidance of Chef Daniel Ettlinger, I had the privilege of serving a changing daily Menu du Marche',

showcasing his finest culinary creations;

Back to Italy, this time Milan, where I joined another 1 Michelin star restaurant, Sadler.

Here, I worked as a server in both the main restaurant and the successful bistro

opened by the renowned chef called "Chic and Quick", the newest creation of Chef Claudio Sadler;

In the summer of 2009, I ventured to the stunning Italian island of Sardinia,

to work at the Grand Hotel Poltu Quatu, as a server and assistant sommelier. There I had the opportunity to provide exceptional service and assist guests in selecting the perfect wine to complement their dining experience;

At the same Sardinian location I was employed at Tanit,

a restaurant known for its enchanting location and exquisite seafood offerings.

Each stop on the map of Europe and Britain allowed me to refine my skills and expand my knowledge of the industry.

During my time in working in France, I was offered job on the corner of a scrap of paper, and three years later in 2011, I decided to embark on a new adventure and moved to Miami South Beach

to join the well-established restaurant, Casa Tua.

Initially hired as a server and I quickly progressed to the role of restaurant manager,

overseeing service operations and a team of over 60 employees.

Shortly thereafter, I assumed the position of Sommelier and Beverage Director, curating the wine list,

managing the cellar, and creating innovative cocktails.

During my time in Miami, I created lasting relationships with the nation's top wine importers and distributors and was able to source extremely rare and limited wines, some of which can no longer be found on the market.

In 2019, I relocated to Aspen, where Casa Tua opened its second location.

As the General Manager, I am responsible for overseeing all restaurant operations,

managing a team of two sommeliers, and leading a staff of nearly 100 employees. Year over year I grew the business exponentially, and even managed to grow and profit during Covid-19.

Throughout my career, I have been driven by a passion for providing exceptional hospitality experiences, a deep appreciation for the art of fine dining, and an intense adoration of wine.

Now, my collective experiences have come together as a consultant, advisor, broker, organizer, collector and procurer...

As The Italian Wine Guy.

I continue to seek new opportunities to grow and learn within the industry, always striving to create memorable moments for guests and elevate the dining experience to new heights.

Private Sommelier Services Food & Wine Consultant