Tastemaker Nicole Daddio
WHERE TO FIND HER: At City Sip LA, my wine bar and wine shop I opened September 5, 2008.
HOW SHE GOT THERE: It was a totally organic process. I always say the wine business chose me! Out of personal interest, I signed up for the International Sommelier Guild’s wine certification program while I was still working as an Associate Producer on the CSI franchise. My friends started asking me to teach them what I was learning, so I started hosting wine tastings at my house. The next thing I know, I was creating a website and taking reservations for these events. Eventually, I decided to roll the dice, giving up the entertainment industry and building my little wine bar (that’s the very abbreviated version!)
WHY SHE LIKES IT: I love talking to people about wine. It’s a great way to connect.
WHAT MAKES CITY SIP LA UNIQUE: We are creating an environment that is inviting and approachable. My staff is amazing and love to educate people about wine. We also have a retail license, so you can taste before you buy.
ON THE ECHO PARK LOCATION: I have had a love affair with Echo Park since I moved here 7 years ago. I was attracted to the culture here…it’s very eclectic. I wanted to create a community that bridged all the gaps; a place that would comfortable for everyone…from my parents generation to the young hipster crowd, from the attorney downtown to the bohemian artist next door. They all live in Echo park and they all drink wine!
WHAT SHE IS DRIKNKING NOW: Right now, I am really into Eastern European wines, Hungarian wines, especially. Kekfrankos (Bull’s Blood!) and Irsai Oliver: Some of these grape vines are the oldest in the world…you can taste the history in them! The reds are perfect food wines with delicate acidity and low tannins. The whites are aromatic and fruity. Yum, I think I’ll pour myself some now! Oh, wait, it’s only 10am.
ADVICE FOR NEWBIES: Buy Karen MacNeil’s Wine Bible. It is a great reference. To this day I will buy a bottle of wine and immediately look up the region or grape varietal in her book. Then you apply what you read by pulling the cork…and remember, practice makes perfect!
PERFECT DAY OFF: Sleeping in. Coffee on the deck reading the internet newspapers. Leisurely hike in Elysian park with my three dogs. A Nap. A trip to the Chinese market for inspiration and fresh ingredients. Cooking dinner for friends at the house. And of course, a great bottle of wine…or three.
