Favorite Wine Regions:

Germany's Nahe Valley, the Northern Rhone Valley of Southern France, Friuli in Northeastern Italy, the Willamette Valley in Northwest Oregon.

Varietal that Best Describes Me:

A Nahe Valley Riesling. We are both much more complex than people realize and gush with a joyous passion of life.

Philosophy on Wine:

Wine is a necessary part of healthy living. It is the pivotal ingredient in making food taste its best. To that end, wine should always be approachable, enticing, and never intimidating. Wine is something that should be enjoyed often, preferably with good friends and good food.

First Wine Experience:

I had a very simple, but beautifully cooked Italian meal with a bottle of straightforward Chianti Classico. The flavors weren't challenging, but they formed such an amicable marriage that I couldn't help but smile while being in their presence.

What I Do When I'm Not Working:

I love cooking and trying out new recipes and flavor combinations. Ultimately, nothing is better than seeing the smiling face of friends, customers or my girlfriend when I surprise them with a really fantastic dish. I also enjoy watching film, hanging at the dog park with my dogs, cycling and reading whatever fiction/non fiction I can get my hands on.

Best Advice for a Wine Novice:

Always try something new. The more we taste in the world of food and wine, the more we come to expand and define our palate.

A Bit More About Sean:

Certified sommelier Sean Beck has accumulated information on wine that would be remarkable for a wine enthusiast twice his age. But at a mere 30, Sean's in-depth knowledge of and appreciation for wine is definitely remarkable. He has a sharp palate and "nose" that can sense when the right pairing happens. Add that talent to a mind that retains practically everything it encounters, and the result is an enologist that ranks among the best. Sean recently received the title of Iron Sommelier after winning a local sommelier competition that raised money for children with cancer.