LIGHT IS RIGHT FOR SUMMER
Q: Tell us about home.
A: I love my house in Fairfield. It’s a 75-year-old brick and stone English-style cottage, surrounded by giant 200-year-old oak trees. I have been in this house a year and have spent this time renovating and updating the interior. The landscaping has just been finished as well. I’m excited to have planted a beautiful rose garden filled with various shades of pink. I live here with my two teenage sons, and a lot of chipmunks.
Q: How did you become a wine industry expert?
A: My interest and passion for the wine industry was expanded and fueled when I moved to California from New York City in the ’90s. I built relationships with vineyards in Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez and Los Olivos, spending time with these passionate wine makers, learning their wine-making philosophies and artistry.
When I moved back to New York City in 2000, I was armed with wine industry knowledge and a passion for helping the average wine enthusiast learn more about the wine world. I started instructing wine seminars at corporate events for senior executives including Wells Fargo, U.S. Trust and Chrysler Corp. I also became wine and lifestyle editor of two publications.
I have created a business where I’m not sponsored by any particular brand, which allows me the liberty to freely guide not only the exuberant oenophiles, but more importantly, the average enthusiast looking to broaden their knowledge.
Q: What is Sandra’s Wine Life? A: Sandra’s Wine Life is a multimedia wine lifestyle education and wine industry resource platform. It includes my weekly “Wine Wednesday” on Instagram IGTV, corporate wine education events and TV hosting. The first of my three wine lifestyle books is being released in fall 2020.
Q: When it comes to COVID-19 restaurant guidelines, outside is still considered safer than inside, and masks are better than no face coverings. But many of us are anxious to have friends/family over to our homes. Let’s say we have 10 people. How do we create the perfect gathering?
A: We’re all excited to reunite with our friends and family. Even though restrictions are lifted, it’s still wise to take precautions for entertaining. It’s smart to keep the gathering outdoors in the fresh air. No one should be sharing dips, cheese or condiments.
A fun idea is to prepare hummus or dip and veggies in separate short glassware. I also serve homemade ceviche like this and it’s a great presentation for a party! For a main course it’s smart to use your grill and safely serve your guests directly from the grill. One of my favorite easy dishes is chicken, pineapple and onion kebabs. You can use shrimp, too. They cook quickly and you’re not spending all your time hovering over a hot barbecue.
I recommend serving a chilled Prosecco with the veggies or ceviche. It’s always a festive sight for your guests to arrive to a tray of sparkling wine in flutes. A fuller Italian white wine like a Gavi di Gavi, would complement the chicken, shrimp and especially the sweet grilled pineapple.
Q: What’s a “summer wine” versus other kinds?
A: I always tell people, the lighter the food, the lighter the wine. Summer wines should reflect the cuisine and warm weather. Light summer cuisine is a great opportunity to “bust out of your wine rut.” Instead of relying on your usual Sauvignon Blanc, try a bright zippy Spanish Albariño (which is my favorite summer go-to-wine). If you’re more inclined to always pick up a California Chardonnay, then you may like an Italian white called Trebbiano. It’s full of lush fruit and a crispness that goes great with summer dinner dishes. If you’re a real red wine fan, then go for Pinot Noir but be certain to give it a nice chill before enjoying it. You'll notice all the bright fruit and spice much more.
Q: The Fourth of July is coming up. Can you suggest some wines for the occasion?
A: An American holiday should be celebrated with great American wines. We all know the famous California and Washington wines. But, there are wines made in every state of our nation. Here in Connecticut is the Connecticut Wine Trail. We are also neighbors to the North Fork of Long Island. What better way to celebrate our country than to support our local wineries that surround the Long Island Sound. Saltwater Farm Vineyard in Connecticut has a highly rated Chardonnay, aged in steel tanks which would accompany shellfish and grilled fish. The Rosés from Wölffer Estate in the North Fork are particularly fantastic and fresh with crudité and cheese.
Q: What’s your advice for folks who are overwhelmed by the sheer abundance of wine options? (Some people just give up and pick one based on the artistry of the label.)
A: The daunting task of navigating a wine store is one that many people do not enjoy. First, I always recommend that you pick a shop and build a relationship with them. Your local wine shop owner knows all the details of each bottle in their store. Tell them what you’ve found that you like, and ask for something similar.
Or ask for a new direction. You may want to try a region at a time — big bold reds from Piemonte, Italy, or crisp acidic whites from the Alsace region of France. Your new friend at the wine shop wants to give you good advice, and for you to be happy, and come back for more wine! Join their newsletter and tasting club for great opportunities to learn more. Ask questions and be brave! It will pay off.
Q: Do you have to spend a certain amount to get a decent bottle of wine?
A: I have always loved finding good “bang for the buck” in wines. If a wine is super expensive, it better well be terrific! But the challenge is to find wines that fit your budget that you can enjoy. There is every reason why you should go and explore the world of wines, without breaking your wallet. You should be able to find much more than just a decent bottle, but a terrific tasty one from $12 for Rosé all the way up to $25 for big rich reds, from all over the world.