Maria
Valetta

Maria Valetta, wine educator, and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Carbone, a high-end Italian restaurant that retains the glamor of mid-20th-century Italian restaurants. The New York-inspired menu is complemented by a wine list that offers a stellar selection of wines from Italy, France, and, of course, California.

Wines reviewed include:

• 2021 Lunae, Colli di Luni, Liguria Vermentino, Italy

• 2018 Barbaresco, Musso, Rio Sordo, Piedmont 

• 2007 Fontodi, Flaccianello della Pieve, Tuscany

Maria Valetta, wine educator, and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas head to Las Vegas where they review the wine list at Skybar in the Waldorf Astoria. High above the Las Vegas Strip, the 23rd-floor SkyBar is the place to enjoy a superb selection of wine while enjoying the unforgettable views.

Wines reviewed include:

• Lucien Crochet Sancerre, a sauvignon blanc, France

• Chalk Hill Chardonnay, Sonoma County

• Orin Swift “Eight Years in the Desert” Zinfandel, Napa Valley 

Maria Valetta, wine educator, and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Craftsteak by top chef personality and James Beard Award-winning chef Tom Colicchio. Maria offers excellent pairing suggestions to tantalize your palate and, of course, points out the best bottles on the list. 

Wines reviewed include:

• 2019 William Févre, Champs Royaux, Chablis

• 2021 Four Graces Willamette Valley, Oregon

• 2017 Chateau de Pez , St. Estephe, Bordeaux

Maria Valetta, wine educator, and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Bardot Brasserie, a lavishly elegant restaurant where, as Chef Michael Mina explains "Every detail of BARDOT Brasserie was designed to transport guests to a café along the Champs-Élysées in the 1920s. Maria recommends some bubbles by-the-glass if you’re feeling constrained, and by-the-bottle if you're all in, she also offers pairing suggestions, and a little background info on producers.

Wines reviewed include:

• Lucien Albrecht, Crémant De Alsace Rosé,  Alsace, France 

• Cristom, Chardonnay,  Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon 

• Greg Linn “Howling”, Syrah Arroyo Grande Valley, California

Maria Valetta, certified sommelier, also known as Maria The Wine Blonde, and Robert Tas try a little tapas in Las Vegas, but more importantly, they review the wine list at Julian Serrano at the Aria Casino and Resort. The wine list at this restaurant is mostly Spanish and hosts a delicious selection of wines. Maria offers expert opinions on malbecs, must-trys and value wines, in addition to offering the perfect pairing for paella.

Wines reviewed include:

• 2020 Rías Baixas, Albariño, Leirana, Forjas del Salnes

• 2019 Ribera del Duero, Psi, Peter Sisseck

• 2013 Ribera del Duero, Valbuena #5, Bodegas Vega, Sicilia

Maria Valetta, certified sommelier and wine educator, and Robert Tas visit Giada’s Restaurant. Maria spots a few fabulous finds, offers pairing suggestions, and dives deep into the tasting notes and mouthfeel to help you find a wine you’ll love. 

Wines reviewed include:

• 2018 Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs, Sonoma, California 

• 2013 Three Sticks, The James, Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills

• 2017 Herman Story, Nuts and Bolts, Paso Robles

Maria Valetta, certified sommelier, also known as Maria The Wine Blonde, and Robert Tas explore the wine list at Mon Ami Gabi, an expansive restaurant at the base of the Vegas Eiffel Tower in the Paris Hotel Casino. This restaurant feels and looks classically French. They serve an authentic French cuisine and a wine list that offers more than 80 boutique French wines by the bottle or glass. Maria shares her expert recommendations on both wine notes and pairings. 

Wines reviewed include:

• 2018 Pinot Blanc, the Dopff & Irion

• 2018 Jacky Janodet Domaine, Les Fines Grave Moulin-a-vent Beaujolais Cru

• 2016 Peter Michael Mon Plaisir, Knights Valley Chardonnay

Maria Valetta, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the wine list at Gordon Ramsey Steak where they find cuts of prime beef aged to perfection under a program directed by the fiery, internationally-renowned chef and his culinary team. This is a posh Las Vegas steakhouse and it has a rather posh wine list to ensure perfect pairings and much enjoyment. Maria navigates the terrain and discovers the best bottles on the list, including little-known stellar sparkling wines, super zippy sauvignon blancs, and Californian mountain juice.

Wines reviewed include:

• Contadi Castaldi Franciacorta Rose

• Smith & Sheth "Cru" Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, NZ

• The Gargiulo Vineyards “G Major” 7 Oakville

Maria Valetta, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the wine list at Babbo Ristorante Enoteca, a restaurant aclaimed as an exuberant celebration of the best of italian food, wine, and lifestyle. The menu incorporates the best and freshest seasonal produce, Italian cheeses, meat, game, and seafood. And to pair with the delicious dishes, a wine list that represents one of the most extensive and intelligent collections in the city.

Wines reviewed include:

• 2020 Trebbiano d’Abruzzo Tiberio

• 2018 Cesanese del Piglio Riserva, Lepanto Alberto Giacobbe 

• 2015 Le Due Terre Sacrisassi, Friuli