Q&A
Nick Jurman, Co-Founder, Instructor, SACRED POUR
BUCKET LIST WINE: Soldera Brunello di Montalcino
FAVORITE SCENE IN A MOVIE INVOLVING WINE: The French Connection - the French heroin smugglers enjoy a leisurely, opulent meal, while Popeye Doyle stands across the street in the freezing cold
FAVORITE IMPORTERS: Neil Rosenthal and Kermit Lynch; both pioneers of the terroir driven ethos
WINE MYTH THAT DRIVES YOU CRAZY: The more expensive the wine, the better it is. Some of my favorite bottles cost $25 and under
WINERY YOU STILL DREAM ABOUT: Paolo Bea in Montefalco, Italy. They were so warm and wanted nothing more than to talk about their wine. They happen to make some of the most soulful wines in Italy
WINE YOU USED TO WOO JESSICA: Chandon de Briailles, Pernand Vergelesses "Ile de Vergelleses" 2002
Wine lover for over 26 years, I hold a WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) Level 3 diploma, and am currently a student in the Vinitaly Wine Ambassadorship program. I have also served as an educator for 28 years, as both a teacher and administrator in the NYC Public School system. In my earlier years, I played semi-professional baseball as a catcher and had a fleeting rendezvous with the West Palm Beach Expos in Class A. I was born, raised and currently reside in New York City.
Q&A
Jessica DeStefano, Co-Founder, Instructor, SACRED POUR
WINE YOU USED TO LOATHE (BUT NOW LOVE): Lambrusco! I can’t get enough, especially as the weather gets warmer, and especially with a plate of mortadella
WHAT YOU WISH MORE PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT WINE: That wine is an every day pleasure meant to be shared, not something to save for a special occasion
FAVORITE WINE WRITER: Terry Theise. He has inspired me to drink more riesling
WINE THAT HAUNTS YOU: Blandy’s Madeira Bual 1977. There were definitely ghosts in that bottle
FAVORITE SONG WITH WINE IN THE LYRICS: INXS, Never Tear Us Apart - “We could live for a thousand years/But if I hurt you/I’d make wine from your tears”
FAVORITE WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE: Podere Le Ripi in Montalcino, Italy. We all came in as strangers and went out as friends, and isn’t that what it’s all about?
An educator for over 20 years, freelance journalist, event planner, passionate cook and wine enthusiast, with over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry. Currently pursuing WSET certification. I live and work in Chelsea, NYC.