Featured User: Neil Valenzuela

I have been in law enforcement for over 15 years now. Prior to this, I served in the US Army for 4 years. I recently married Jennifer, who is also in law enforcement, and have two wonderful step-children. In my spare time, I like to paint comic book characters, drink wine and talk about wine. I have a strong passion for wine and learning all I can about the history, regions, varietals and the process of making wine. I was born in Mexico and currently live near San Francisco, California. Delectable: What sparked your passion for wine? Neil Valenzuela: Wine was always unapproachable until one evening, sharing a glass of wine with my brother sparked a conversation and a thirst for knowledge about wine. Several years later when I was assigned as Bailiff for a Judge, she would often take her courtroom staff to wineries or tasting rooms on the weekends or after work. In a small tasting room called The French Cellar in Los Gatos, California (no longer in business), I had a glass of 1997 Chateau Montrose , which sent my passion for wine into overdrive. D: What wine region are you wild about right now? NV: I am into several regions right now: Northern Rhone blends – Syrah and Viognier Pinots Noir – from Sonoma County such as Claypool Cellars or Balleto, Santa Rita Hills such as Domain De La Cote and Burgundy. Sauvignon Blanc – From anywhere! D: What is the most unusual wine you’ve ever tried? NV: Wine from Rice. I love a good, cold, filtered dry Sake . D: What is your golden rule for wine? NV: Always try something new and be open minded. Take the time to enjoy the wine and use all my senses in appreciating the wine. D: Say you’re not allowed to have wine, what is your second option? NV: I always get a lot of grief for this - A cold Coors Light. D: Choose a movie, book, quote, or song and pair it with a wine NV: Movie: Tombstone – Galante Vineyards Merlot Song: Come Away with Me by Norah Jones – Banshee Vineyards Rice-Spivak Pinot Noir Quote: J.M. Keynes, “I should have drank more champagne.” – Dom Perignon Book: F. Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment – The Prisoner Zinfandel D: If you were a wine, what wine would you be? NV: Tough question, so I asked my wife. She said a strong and bold glass of red wine, something like a Penfolds Shiraz .