Today marks the beginning of yet another new feature here at LENNDEVOURS, the "LENNDEVOURS Q&A." (Catchy name, no?)
Briefly, I’m going to ask the same 7 questions to people throughout the New York wine industry (with minor tweaks depending on the person’s role). And, I won’t limit this to winery owners or winemakers. There are a lot more people behind the scenes that don’t get the attention they deserve.
We start this new project with Trent Preszler, chief operating officer for Bedell Cellars.
What (and where) was the first bottle of wine you remember drinking?
When I was ten years old, my grandpa shared a bottle of Cold Duck at Thanksgiving dinner.
What event/bottle/etc made you decide that you wanted to be in the wine industry?
I sat down with my advising professor at Cornell and said that I had a background in business and botany and wanted to somehow merge the two. He suggested wine, and the rest is history.
Which of your current wines is your favorite and why?
Bedell 2005 Gallery is, I think, one of the best white wines I have ever tasted. An extremely complex and luminescent blend of chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and viognier.
What has surprised you most about running a winery on Long Island?
The complexities of managing such a diversely arrayed business — PR, marketing, science, agriculture, packaging, human resources, HR, etc.
Other than your own wines, what wine/beer/liquor most often fills your glass?
I went through a phase recently where I was obsessedw ith dry rieslings from the Mosel. But of late I’ve been diving into White Burgundy with great enthusiasm.
Is there a ‘classic’ wine or wine and food pairing that you just can’t make yourself enjoy?
Everyone raves about Port and chocolate, but I really don’t like port. I’d much prefer the classic combo of Sauternes with heavy cheese.
Wine enjoyment is about more than just the wine itself. Describe the combination of wine, locations, food, company, etc. that would make (or has made) for the ultimate wine-drinking experience.
My fondest memories of wine have all taken place when I was having dinner with friends, and it doesn’t hurt of there is a sunset involved.