About Neil Charles
My experience in the wine industry began in Bordeaux in June, 1978 with a summer-long internship with Alexis Lichine & Company, working under Patrick Leon, future winemaker at Chateau Mouton Rothschild. Since then I have worked in the production, retail, wholesale and import areas of the wine business. I’m happy to be one of only a handful of people in the Midwest to have passed the hardest wine exam in the world: the Theory portion of the Master of Wine exam; and I hope to pass the entire program sometime this century. As an accredited Certified Sommelier and currently working on the advanced program, I guess you could say I really do like wine.
I’ve got a broad appreciation of food, the arts, and all good things, enjoyed hosting a number of food and wine radio programs, and teaching wine appreciation at the university and college levels. Currently as a food columnist for Nuvo Newsweekly, I’ve got the distinct pleasure to write about my culinary adventures around the city. And as the wine educator at Vine & Table I hope to share my appreciation for all things wine with you.
January 30th, 2012 -
If you’re still reeling from holiday bills, fear not: this month, starting February 1st, our Pick 24 focuses on quality and exceptional value. With more wines than ever under $20 (19, to be precise), and a broad range of styles, …
December 14th, 2011 -
Sherry. Although it’s been perceived for several decades as the sweet and sickly beverage of choice of maiden aunts and stuffy old bankers, Sherry remains one of the truly most wondrous of libations. With a history dating back several centuries, …
September 12th, 2011 -
If you have ever opened a treasured bottle of vintage wine, that you’ve lovingly saved in your cellar awaiting that “special occasion”, only to find that the wine smells musty and reminds you of a mildewy basement, then you’ve probably …
August 31st, 2011 -
On Thursday, September 15th, we’re hosting a tasting of ports with sales director, Harvey Roberts, from Portugal’s oldest producer of these fascinating wines, Kopke. Since 1638, this relatively unknown port house has been producing and exporting wines of superior quality …
August 24th, 2011 -
We’ve tasted a lot of Spanish wines recently, and have had fun and learned a lot in the process. Spanish wines are absolutely on fire right now, and enthusiasm for them shows no sign of abating.
