Tastemaker Roberto Rogness
WHERE TO FIND HIM: At Wine Expo where he has served as General Manager and Wine Director for owner Ali Biglar since the store opened in 1993.
HOW HE GOT THERE: His fascination with wine began when he was a U.S. soldier stationed in the German wine country of Franconia. He has served the Los Angeles wine community in a variety of roles before moving to Wine Expo. Most notably, he worked at Joss for three years and received a lot of press for their wine offerings. He also worked as the General Manager for Montana Wine Co.
HOW HE KEEPS IT FRESH: We know thousands of customers by first name basis. We talk to new people about their likes, dislikes, budget, and wine usage to find them the perfect bottle.
WHAT MAKES WINE EXPO UNIQUE: “Our focus is on traditionally styled wines from Italy and Grower Champagnes from France,” he boasts, “We have the largest selection of Champagne in the US.” The press has also noticed Wine Expo’s huge selection of artisanal Tequilas and deep bench of domestic and imported beers.
HOW HE SELECTS WINE FOR THE SHOP: We travel to Europe and taste with producers to select the majority of our wines. We seek an overall diversity of styles for the store, while selecting labels which uphold the culinary tradition of the zone they represent. Small and unique producers and value wines are also important for the store.
LATEST STORE TREND: “Trading DOWN in price in a big way.” He also notes that many customers are discovering that they can get wonderful wines for under $30.
ADVICE FOR NEWBIES: Try EVERYTHING you can, don’t get in a rut, and NEVER buy more than 12 bottles of something, unless it is for a party, until you have tried literally hundreds of wines.
WHAT HE IS DRINKING NOW: Lissa sparkling water. However, he explains, preference is dictated by context and, “When in doubt, Champagne.”
OTHER INTERESTS: I am a musician/musicologist and have played professionally for years. I have also hosted radio shows and do musical programming for restaurants and other venues on the side.
PERFECT DAY OFF: Rio de Janeiro with my wife and daughter. The beach in the morning, lunch at Rei do Carangeijo, a nice long nap, and play time with my daughter. At night, drinks at Ovelha Negra Bar de Champanha, dinner at a good Churrascaria, and then live music late into the night!
