Do AC: Three questions with wine guru Leslie Sbrocco
She is curating the weekend's wine collection.
All 12 Atlantic City casino resorts are coming together for the Do AC Boardwalk Wine Promenade this weekend.
The outdoor wine festival features 150 wines presented at seven destinations along the Boardwalk.
Sommelier Leslie Sbrocco is winging her way east to oversee the wines that will be poured.
Sbrocco - featured in People StyleWatch magazine, a past editor for Epicurious.com's "Tasting Notes," columnist for NYT and manager/cofounder of winetoday.com - is a regular contributor on NBC's Today show and hosts the PBS series Check Please! for which she won a James Beard Award and 3 Emmys. She's also known for her site Thirsty Girl.
1. How did you get into the wine world?
A. I'm lucky enough to do what I love for a living: share my passion for wine. Growing up in Chicago wine was certainly not a staple in our home. Years ago, however, when I moved to San Francisco (and now to Sonoma, California's wine country), I was able to transfer my skills in writing and television work to communicating about my favorite subject. I took winemaking courses, worked harvests at local wineries and learned everything I could to start writing about wine. Since then I've penned two books, built wine programs all over the country, educated thousands through speaking engagements, and shot eight seasons of my Emmy-Award winning restaurant and wine show, Check Please! on PBS. Heading to work every day is pure pleasure.
2. Define a "Thirsty Girl" - and, for that matter, can a guy be a Thirsty Girl?
A. Someone who lives life to the fullest with glass in hand. Thirsty Girls enjoy wine, food, travel, and having fun. And, of course, we have a large contingent of Thirsty Guys. I've discovered that wherever there are Thirsty Girls, the smart Thirsty Guys soon follow.\
3. How did you go about designing the wine component for the Do AC Boardwalk Wine Promenade? Please describe what is in store for guests.
A. Our goal in creating the unique format of this weekend's event is to celebrate the beauty of the Boardwalk through the lens of wine and food. Each of the seven destinations showcase what makes Atlantic City and the Boardwalk special. I've curated a collection of more than 150 wines that span everyday sippers to coveted collector bottles. Ranging in style from light and lively sparklers to crisp, juicy whites, elegant pink sippers to big bold reds and delicious desserts wines, there is something for everyone. For example, kick off at the "Sun" tent and sip a bubbly Italian red wine then move to world class Pinot Noir from New Zealand. In the "Sips and Sashes" destination, which pays homage to Miss America returning to Atlantic City, wine from across the country is highlighted. Indulge in lush Napa Valley Chardonnay and sleek Washington Riesling then raise a glass to a selection of New Jersey and Virginia wines. The "Boardwalk Games" area brings together French Champagne, Portuguese whites and Aussie reds in a destination dedicated to the Boardwalk's best. Add food paired by each of the 12 casino/resort properties, and the event becomes a wonderful escape to explore the world of wine while taking in the local flavor.
Info is here.