Smitty's Grill

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the Italian wine list at the LA hotspot Rossoblu. This fun and funky restaurant will not disappoint serious diners and wine lovers. On the menu, you will find handmade pasta dishes, in-house butchery and salumi, and classic Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist. The wine list offers unique varietals from family-owned wineries. From sensational sparkling wines to light and zesty whites or 

Grace spots the bottles that will be delicious, delightful, and sometimes, downright decadent. 

Wines reviewed include:

• 2021 Vermentino, Antonella Corda Vineyard, Sardinia

• 2021 Galanghina, Marisa Cuomo, Campania

• 2016 Margaux, Chalatour de Bessan

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit the French bistro Petit Trois in Los Angeles, an unassuming and unpretentious restaurant inspired by classic Parisian bistros and has won many accolades from foodies and food critics alike. They offer two award-winning wine lists and Grace reviews the wines on both to identify the approachable and affordable and the big baller bottles of French wines, including Bordeaux, Burgundies, syrahs, and stellar cab blends. 

Wines reviewed include:

• 2019 Melon du Bourgnon, Muscadet

• 2011 Riesling Domaine Marcel, Alsace

• 2019 Domaine Rougeot Pommard

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier and Robert Tas explore the wine list at Cowboy Star in San Diego’s East Village. This steakhouse and butcher shop sources ethically-raised, meat and seafood. They have a stellar wine list and a reputation to match. From bold, tannic reds to crisp, light whites, champagne that will definitely tickle the taste buds,  and a few surprises in between, Grace identifies the bottles on the list that will please the most discerning palate, including a Margaux from Bordeaux.

Wines reviewed include:

• 2020 Shea Estate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley

• 2020 Chalk Hill Sauvignon Blanc, Napa

• 2017 Joseph Swan from the Russian River Valley

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the wines of Italy at Felix Trattoria region by region. Travel by wine region! What a great way to get to know Italian wines, and Grace is on hand to help you navigate the list and the regions. Both the wine list and menu at Felix are inspired by the deeply rooted culinary traditions of regional Italy. Chef and master pasta maker Evan Funke crafts fresh, handmade pasta on-site and to order while you kick off your evening with a light white or glass of sparkling wine.

Wines reviewed include:

• 2018 Primitivo, Tenuta Chiaromonte

• 2021 Nebbiolo Rose, GB Burlotto 

• 2019 Verdeccio, La Monacesca

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit the French restaurant Left Bank where they specialize in fine dining and fine wine. The wine list is organized by region, and Grace travels through to find the wines that pair exceptionally well with the menu and are exceptionally delicious. From Champagne to Burgundy and beyond, taking this trip with Grace is a fun way to explore French wines. 

Wines reviewed include:

• 2019 Ladoucette Pouilly Fumé

• 2018 Pouilly Fusse from Domaine Leflaive

• 2018 Cote Rotie from Domaine Gangloff

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier and Robert Tas visit the fun and funky restaurant Hatchet Hall. This lively neighborhood restaurant and bar focuses on the simplicity of quality ingredients sourced from local farmers. It’s all about friendly vibes and fun times. The wine list is regularly updated with a menu that focuses on the wine's culture and history. Here, you will find a stellar natural wine selection of all organic, biodynamic, and sustainable wines.

Wines reviewed include:

• 2016 Newton Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa

• 2019 Chanin, Santa Maria Valley

• 2021 Viognier from CCGP Vineyard, Santa Barbara

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas tune in to Frasca in Boulder, Colorado where they explore wine for all occasions including hanging in the mountains or after skiing down the slopes. Grace checks out the champagne list, and, amongst other divine bottles of wine, finds a stellar white from this list that offers wines from many regions of Italy, including Umbria and Fiulli, and varietals that offer their own unique and subtle notes. 

Wines reviewed include:

• 2016 Bereche et File Beaux Regards

• 2020 Foradori from Alto Adige

• 2004 Brunello di Montelcino from Cerbaiona

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas bring a little country to the city with a wine list review from the Urban Farmer, a modern steakhouse that, as they say, is unexpected, unpretentious, and unforgettable. They offer a spectacular wine list that includes an international selection and many great bottles from the Pacific Northwest. Grace finds some sensational sparklers, robust roses, and whites that will make your night just right. 

Wines reviewed include:

• 2018 King Estate Brut Cuvee

• 2019 Wichmann Vineyard from Triseatuem

• 2021 Teutonic Rose

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas join forces to navigate the wine list at Jory at the Allison where their focus on wine pairings delivers an exquisite dining experience. Grace reviews a wonderful selection of Italian wines, including chardonnays, pinot noirs, tempranillos, and, of course, bubbles to ensure that she covers your favorite grape and offers a few that might surprise you. 

Wines reviewed include:

• 2017 Soter Mineral Springs Rose

• 2019 Grand Oak Vineyard, Raindance Winery

• 2019 Walter Scott Seven Springs Vineyard

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the wine list at The Painted Lady. This restaurant is in the heart of Oregon Wine Country and is surrounded by more than 200 wineries. If a fine dining wine experience is on your list, this place is worth the trip. The goal of the owner-operators is to create and “unforgettable food journey crafted from the fine ingredients and wines sourced from the Willamette Valley and beyond.” Grace reviews wines on the list to help you choose the wines that elevate your experience. 

  Wines reviewed include:

• 2021 Patricia Green Sauvignon Blanc

• 2017 Sigrid from Bergstrom

• 2004 Domaine Danielle Laurent, Solena