Top Winemakers & Chefs …

The 13th annual Pigs & Pinot weekend hosted by Chef Charlie Palmer is about a month away and the already talent-filled line up tied a bow on the event in the form of Winemaker Tom Rochioli and Chef Chris Cosentino.

Both icons will be pouring and cooking for the Friday night kick-off event, Taste of Pigs & Pinot, as well as for the Saturday night Gala dinner, bringing the dinner’s tasting menu course total to six. Hold on to your (wine) glasses, this is the most action packed Pigs & Pinot ever.

The Insider caught up with Rochioli where his modesty and humor shone through when answering the Insider quiz below. Any winemaker who has got a five year waiting list for his wines would be entitled to a little bragging, but not Rochioli. He’s constantly trying to make his wines better and looking forward to the future. Check out Rochioli Wineyards.  Enjoy.

What was last night’s dinner?  At home. Stuffed chicken breast. Garden salad. Broccoli. French bread. 

Favorite drink? Pinot Noir. Green Tea  

Favorite dining spot in Sonoma and why? Too many to choose. Dry Creek Kitchen. Valette. Baci. Hansel Bistro. All great.  

Favorite music? Real Country. Jazz on Weekend mornings. Classic rock when country gets too pop. 

Favorite thing about living and working in Sonoma? The beauty.  Weather except July, August and September.  

Any brush with celebrity?  Probably.  

What makes a great winery? Good grape source. Attention to detail. Growing your own fruit which gives Estates and Domains the upper hand.  

Any wine, meal or place to visit on your bucket list? Re-visit Romanee Conti with son and daughter so to inspire them like it did me.  

Final thoughts? None at this time.  Thank you for including me.