By Emma Robinson By Emma Robinson | August 19, 2021 | Food & Drink, Feature,
Renowned Palm Beach sommeliers reveal what wines they’re sipping to cool off from the heat.
Virginia Philip, Virginia Philip Wine Sprits & Academy
Virginia Philip Wine Spirits & Academy founder Virginia Philip samples her wine waterside as she soaks up the South Florida sun. In her glass is a pour of Mariflor Sauvignon Blanc from Mendoza, Argentina, with notes of grapefruit, lime and kiwi. Philip describes this selection as an eye-opener that gives any Sancerre a run for its money. Paired with her beverage, she enjoys snacking on goat cheese, an orange, papaya salad doused in vinaigrette or any light poultry dish. 340 Royal Poinciana Plaza, Ste. 320, Palm Beach
Lauren Samson, The Blind Monk
Manager and sommelier at West Palm Beach’s The Blind Monk Lauren Samson has a passion for food and beverage that has driven her to expand her knowledge in the world of wine. Her pick for a warm day is Monograph Assyrtiko straight from Santorini. “This wine shows notes of citrus fruits, lemon grass and stone fruit with a salinity that transports you to the Greek islands,” she says. Along with her refreshing vino, she eats fresh-shucked oysters or a light cucumber salad. Her next glass comes from the heart of Spain’s Canary Islands. La Araucaria, which Samson dubs a “pure expression of volcanic Canary terruño with notes of red and black fruits, cracked peppercorns, purple flowers and volcanic soil,” is a tasty complement to a savory plate of grilled pork loins or lamb burgers. 410 Evernia St., Ste. 107, West Palm Beach
Sean Rush, Nomad
Palm Beach-based artist, interior designer and wine connoisseur Sean Rush created Nomad as a go-to for locals, travelers, artists and designers to enjoy fine wine and art in a globally inspired lounge setting. But when not in his lounge, Rush soaks up Palm Beach en plein air while sipping on Loimer Lois Grüner Veltliner. With notes of green apple, citrus and bright minerality, he says this wine pairs well with a savory Italian prosciutto. Another favorite, Dominique Rosé Reserve, is a light wine with hints of strawberry and stone fruits that is perfectly suited to a gourmet charcuterie board. 3700 S. Dixie Highway, No. 5, West Palm Beach
Photography by: By Rodrigo Almeida; Lila Photo; Amanda Salina