Wine has been the driving force in my life-it's how I met my wife, how I've gotten work, how I've maintained a physical and emotional connection to my heritage and my family. In the post Second World War era, my family members were political refugees and immigrants from the war-torn region of Istria. Although they were people of the earth who produced food and wine, they were forced to leave that life behind and seek opportunities in America. Once settled they turned back to food and wine in order to earn a living. From positions as cooks, bakers, and waiters, they became restaurant owners, their success predestinating my life in food and wine.

I live a modern life rooted in the understanding that being tied to where you come from makes you who you are. With a strong family, there is nothing you can't accomplish. My mother gave me the chutzpah to do whatever I wanted to do. And along the way she taught me that all of her values were somehow captured in the spirit and essence of wine. She really drove it home-from the vineyard to the bottle, the wine we drink has a rich history, it is part of a deep-rooted tradition, and often it travels the whole world to get to our table. It reaches across all levels of society. It was a happy metaphor. My mother taught me that I could take those values, make them practical, and turn them into a fantastic way of life.