🎙 Ep. 2565 of the #ItalianWinePodcast and a new session of #wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum 2025.
🇮🇹 Wine titles decoded: why MS and MW both matter.
🍷 Led by Jessica Dupuy DipWSET, Doug Frost MW & MS, Jim Bube MS
🧐 What’s the difference between a Master Sommelier and a Master of Wine? Is one more for blind tasting parlor tricks? And the other for breaking down the finer points on what soil compositions and export markets have in common?
For too long, confusion has hovered between the two. In the U.S., Master Sommeliers are often elevated to near-celebrity status, while in Europe, the title is less understood or recognized. Conversely, Masters of Wine are widely revered across Europe as the pinnacle of expertise yet often perceived in the U.S. as overly academic or inaccessible. This panel shifts the conversation from “which is better?” to “which path is best for whom?"
🎧 Listen: https://loom.ly/qh5BEzY
Learn more about wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum: https://loom.ly/VGJPsQY.
#ItalianWine #WineBusiness #wine2wine #WineEducation
Chihuahua Mexico is a place I never thought I’d visit but when presented with the opportunity to judge wines with the legendary @evangoldsteinms I couldn’t resist.
@carlos_borboa and the whole @mexicoselection@concoursmondial team rolled out the red carpet for us foreigners. @beersandy@juliemdalton@schlimmerdurst@reyeswine.mw *(Chihuahua native!) @thewinetattoo@dmwine and @saradamatokilley
The hospitality and knowledge of the local sommelier community was immense and we had the good fortune to taste some exquisite local wine, soulful cuisine, and dancing fueled by fiery and delicious Sotol. Thank you @andres_amor11 for your fearless leadership of the panel. 🙏
Would recommend trying out sand surfing, promising Grenache, Cabernet and shockingly high quality, albeit rare, sparkling wine should the winds blow you to this wonderful place. Viva Chihuahua!!
| mr + mrs bube ♥️
big thank you to hotel la perla for showing us what hospitality looks like when you pour your heart and soul into it. hot dang. - Melissa
the warmth that effortlessly comes from everyone in la perla’s employ is both contagious and intoxicating. framed by tasteful interiors and the pristine dolomites, staying here feels like a warm embrace from long lost family. i cannot recommend this world class establishment enough. - Jim
#corvarainbadia #dolomiti #laperlacorvara #altabadia #destinationweddingitaly #tlbestshot
💼🍷 It's time to meet our #wine2wine2025 speakers:
Jim Bube MS serves as National Wine Director for Hogsalt Hospitality and a board member of Second City Sommeliers. With a career that spans wholesale distribution, restaurant service, and wine education, Jim brings a well-rounded perspective to the world of hospitality.
Jim’s path to the Master Sommelier diploma began during his time as a wholesale sales rep, when he pursued certification as a way to sharpen his skills and reignite his passion for wine. What started as a career investment evolved into a full commitment to the Court of Master Sommeliers, where he ultimately passed the MS exam in 2017.
Today, Jim oversees wine programs across Hogsalt’s 25+ restaurant portfolio, curating thoughtful selections, leading training initiatives, and helping staff create approachable, guest-friendly wine experiences. A passionate mentor, he is deeply involved in the Chicago wine community and values the camaraderie and connection that come with the journey of professional certification.
See you in Chicago on October 5-6, 2025! 🚀
#wine2wine #wineforum #vinitalyusa
Melissa appreciation post incoming!
I spent the weekend celebrating this rapturously beautiful human being on a milestone birthday.
We were greeted by Palm Springs’s telltale midcentury modern environs and a hard to define clarity to the sunlight. Through a deluge of charmingly old school and delicious TexMex and margaritas we hiked, checked out the “Desert X” art installations and generally chilled out.
I wish everyone reading this the love I feel every day with this one.
Also go to Palm Springs. It’s heavenly.
TRADE TASTING FROM YOURS TRULY: Discover the rich diversity of Rias Baixas wines beyond their renowned youthful whites. Join us for an exclusive tasting event featuring an array of exceptional offerings: sparkling Albariño, Rias Baixas red wine, 9- and 10-year-aged Albariño, and a rare single-vineyard Loureiro from 100-year-old vines. Compare Albariño from O Rosal and Condado do Tea with those from Salnes, accompanied by gourmet bites from The Capital Grille.
This tasting is free if you are a member of the beverage trade, please RSVP through the link in bio and experience these unique wines firsthand. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your palate and knowledge of Rias Baixas wines!
| 60 feet below the surface, surrounded by crystal clear 80-degree water. encountered schools of blue tang, sea turtles, puffer fish 🐡, and super rad giant barrel sponges. diving in the afternoon for peek sunlight, creating brightest blast of sun to the depths of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. - one of the largest behind the ever so popular Great Barrier in Australia. 🌊☀️
@johnsoceanjourney JB was a perfect dive master for our first open water plunge! He’s now a friend we can’t wait to dive with again. 🤿
