In this special episode of 1337 Wine TV, I get a chance to sit down with Craig Collins, Master Sommelier (MS). We were able to meet up the day after TEXSOM (Texas Sommelier Conference) at the Four Seasons Hotel & Resort in Las Colinas (Dallas), TX. I got the chance to get to know Craig better and talk about how he got interested in wine, becoming a Master, his TEXSOM seminar, and what he is doing now. We also just chatted about wine in general. It was great to spend some time with him and I hope to make it up to Austin soon to check out the restaurants he is the Beverage Director for (Elm Restaurant Group).
I also want to thank everyone involved with TEXSOM. This year’s conference was by far the best. If felt like things were super smooth this year and it reached a new level. I mean it did since they expanded to having 4 seminars happening during each time slot – makes it difficult to choose! Also the organization of the events, the volunteers, etc. Thanks to the Co-Founders James Tidwell MS and Drew Hendricks MS for their support. Thanks also to Keely Garibaldi of C Milan Communications for her help in putting me in contact with Craig for the show and also for her help in having the Four Seasons let me record on property. Drew also was instrumental in helping me finalize date, time, and location. And, of course, Craig for taking the time Tuesday to sit with me.
Next for me is taking my Certified Sommelier Exam in Houston on 8/29/13. I have the knowledge and skill to pass, I just have to get my brain to release that info under pressure! Did I mention that Craig will be there as one of several Masters conducting the test? No pressure there. This will be the last post for 2-3 weeks as I’ll be prepping for the exam and taking some time off from wine. I’ll try to have a show early in September but I’m also taking a vacation that month.
Links for this week’s show:
Arro – newest restaurant for the Elm Restaurant Group
24 Diner – Their Diner concept with a killer beer and wine list
Easy Tiger – Their bakery and beer garden
@ccollinsms – Craig’s Twitter account
