Featured User: Ray S

Ray is a former video games developer turned tech director in the journalism industry. He's an aspiring photographer and a geek for art and travel. He enjoys discovering new wines and the challenges associated with understanding what makes them unique. In his spare time, he’s the cyclist shouting “ON YOUR LEFT!” Sometimes he’s on a bike when he does it. Delectable: What sparked your passion for wine? Ray: Years ago I moved to Silicon Valley to work at a gaming studio. I was new to the area and didn’t know anyone. After a few months, a close friend of mine from back home connected me with his friend that lived in the city. His friend was very outgoing and invited me on a day trip to Napa for wine tasting. I knew very little about wine but I was looking for any excuse to leave my apartment to explore a new area. The trip was the first time someone explained to me what I was tasting, the process, and the history. I was hooked! D: What wine region are you wild about right now? R: I’m currently obsessed with Tuscan wines, specifically Brunello di Montalcino. I’ll never forget the first time I had one and relish the opportunity to share a bottle with close friends. D: What is the most unusual wine you’ve ever tried? R: A few years back, my wife and I were driving through Monte Argentario [Italy] on our way to our hotel as we drove past an olive farm. We wanted to go back to the farm after we had the chance to check-in. The concierge called the farm and said they had sold out of olive oil but would do a wine tasting for us if we showed up after 3[pm]. Excited, we hopped back into the car and made our way to the farm. We pulled up to a building deep within the farm - beautiful. But no one was around. After a few short minutes, a man walks out and seemed surprised to see us. We introduce ourselves, shake his hand, and inquire about the wine tasting. It turns out he doesn’t speak English. I took a chance and asked for “vino.” His smiled, “Ah. Vino!” He excitedly took us into a garage in which he showed us bottles placed within a milk crate for purchase but no tasting. So we bought one and quickly left. Arriving at the hotel my wife pulls out a piece of paper in which the concierge had written the name of the farm. We went to the wrong farm! Essentially, we bought wine from some random guy. D: What are some tips for aspiring connoisseurs? R: I can’t stress this enough, but taste everything. Never turn down a glass and ignore the price. Ask questions but don’t let others influence your decisions. Build your palette to understand your preferences. D: What is your golden rule for wine? R: Never take advantage of a wine no matter the occasion. Don’t rush. Take a moment to build a memory. I want to remember what I drank, how it tasted, and with whom I shared the experience. D: If you were a wine, what wine would you be? R: I’d like to think I’m that discreet bottle of Petit Verdot with the unimpressive label that has an interesting story to tell.