Over at Vinography, and inspired by similar posts from a variety of wine bloggers, the question came up regarding just who is your wine critic. We have moved from the age of information to the age of recommendation. There is just too much data out there to sift though. So we look to our network of friends and colleagues, and critics, and bloggers to help us make sense of all the choices. I thought that in order to understand my recommendations a little better, you should know me a little better.

So here is a list of things I think you should know.

• I was born in the Year of the Dragon, the Month of the Bull and the day after payday. May 16, 1964.
• I love my wife very, very much.
• I have been a waiter, a bartender, a designer, a DJ, a strategist. I have worked in the hospitality industry or the internet industry for most of my life.
• I love music, especially the kind that makes you want to sing out loud in the car even while you are taking clients to dinner.
• If I were a wine I think I would be a Barbera.
• I play the Lotto. Every week.
• I have lived in NYC, LA, SF, and a few places in between. Grover Beach is my home now.
• I use a 15” PowerBook to do my work with and am a fan of all most things Apple.
• I once saw Johnny Cash in concert. In Reno.
• I know my way around a kitchen as well as I know my way around a speedrack and cocktail shaker.
• I have 5 tattoos and plan on getting more. A full sleeve Dragon is next.
• I took courses with Ann Noble at UC Davis.
• I smoked a cigarette once with Paulina Periskova in the Village in the 80’s.
• I like to read magazines more than books.
• I believe in God, long legs, Rock and Roll, forgiveness. In that order.
• My favorite movie is High Fidelity.
• I drink wine because I really enjoy it. But nothing beats a great tequila.
• The older I get the more I respect my father for the things he set aside to raise his 5 sons.
• Karaoke is cool