MARISA FINETTI | Author: Marisa Finetti

June 4, 2020June 4, 2020

Marisa Finetti joins the Circle of Wine Writers

Cheers! I’m excited to announce that I’ve been accepted into the Circle of Wine Writers. Based in the UK and established in 1960 by the late English author and journalist Cyril Ray, the Circle is an association comprised of esteemed authors, writers, journalists, broadcasters, photographers, and educators who communicate about wines and spirits. Currently, there are 240 international members. I am proud to be one of 15 in the U.S. The Circle of Wine Writers aims to “improve the standard of…

May 4, 2020May 4, 2020

Drops of emotion

I cried on my third day in Italy. I cried hard in the shower after a full day of tasting the most delicious wines of Piedmont during Ian D’Agata’s week-long 3iC course on Piedmontese food and wine. Why? It wasn’t because I was sad, or was suffering from jet lag or was overwhelmed by the material, or from being homesick. It wasn’t from having too much to drink. It was a dream be there in Barolo, surrounded by the beautiful vineyards…

May 1, 2020May 1, 2020

Stirring with Vintage Swizzle Sticks

In the world of vintage bar accessories, amid colorful glassware and shakers in sparkling chrome, swizzle sticks were an important part of the lounge’s decor. In fact, a drink of any kind would have simply been considered uncivilized without one. I recently came upon a collection of vintage stir sticks from the 1960s and 1970s. This was indeed the Golden Age of the swizzle stick. Many were collected by my mom in Tokyo, most of them from the swanky Hotel New Otani. It…

April 13, 2020April 17, 2020

Foundation provides sommeliers relief during COVID-19

Chris Blanchard remembers the night on St. Patrick’s Day when he received a phone call from a Las Vegas sommelier. The single father of two boys had been laid off that week. It was also the day Governor Mayor Carolyn Goodman officially declared the City of Las Vegas a state of emergency in wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. “He was terrified about not having money for groceries, moreover rent, and had nowhere to turn,” said Blanchard, a Master Sommelier and…

April 3, 2020April 3, 2020

Field Study: Tasting the land at Cain Vineyard

The drive was slow, steep, and bumpy. But, the rugged surroundings from the windows of the vintage four-wheel-drive vehicle eventually led to a clearing at the top. We emerged high above the fog line that morning. And, while carefully treading the peak which straddled both Sonoma and Napa valleys, Cain Vineyard winemaker Christopher Howell reached down to pull a weed firmly from the ground. “Here, smell this. It’s tarweed,” he said. Tarweed, a sticky, hairy plant with little drab beige…

March 26, 2020March 26, 2020

Notes from Italy’s vineyards: signs of hope and renewal

“Agriculture is the most magical example we have of nature’s strong resilience,” says Cristiana Tiberio of Agricola Tiberio. Words like this from Italy during a time that she describes to be the “most challenging period after the Second World War” due to the COVID-19 pandemic is a refreshing reminder that life does go on. Situated in Abruzzo, approximately twenty miles inland from the seaside city of Pescara near the hillside town of Cugnoli, Tiberio and her family produce Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Cersauolo…

March 17, 2020March 17, 2020

Wine is social. What now?

We are all doing what’s necessary in this time of crisis to stay healthy and protect the health of family, friends, co-workers, everyone. But, we are social animals who love to get together and be among family and friends. Furthermore, if you’re in the business of food and beverage – like many of my friends – more than ever, gatherings are what keep our hearts beating. It’s our work. It’s our love. It’s our life. But at the moment, we…

March 17, 2020March 17, 2020

Wine heals: Friuli charity wine helps Udine Hospital

Situated on one of the highest hills in the Spessa di Cividale area, the heart of the Friuli Colli Orientali, Zorzettig has long been devoted to the culture of the vine. In the face of extraordinary challenges, Zorzettig is also spreading love and support to the Hospital of Udine by doing what it does best – making wine. The newly-released, limited edition Andrà Tutto Bene (meaning everything will be alright) is a Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso made from the eponymous…

March 14, 2020March 14, 2020

Marisa Finetti ranked among top 30 alcohol blogs & influencers

Wow, that’s sweet! This is quite an honor to be #24 (currently) and among some of the greatest digital reads, including Punch, New York Times, Imbibe, Shanken Daily News and others. The top alcohol blogs, websites and influencers are selected from thousands in Feedspot’s index, with rankings based on such criteria as Google rank, social influence, quality, frequency, and Feedspot’s own editorial review. On my site, readers will find a mix of essays, stories and reviews about the things I…

March 8, 2020March 8, 2020

Pairing Italian wine & cheese 101

Italy produces some of the finest wines and cheeses in the world. Separately, they are already delicious. But, as with any food and wine pairing, when enjoyed together wine and cheese, can elevate the flavors and take the tasting experience to a new level.