CorkRules - Episodes | Naxos Taverna

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About this Episode

Maria Valetta, wine educator, and certified sommelier, also known as Maria the Wine Blonde, interviews Beverage Program Director Tim Keller at Naxos Taverna at Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa in Las Vegas. talks about his experience in the hospitality industry, how he first became interested in wine, and his enterprising journey from waiter to restauranteur, and finally, how he was hired at Naxos Taverna. Tim talks about how he chooses wine for the wine list to introduce patrons to Greek wines and wines that pair well with Greek food. He reviews several special bottles, including wines from Macedonia, and a few alternatives to popular favorites such as sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to help wine lovers find a few new favorites and expand their wine knowledge.

Transcript: Naxos Taverna

Intro:

Q1:

Tell us a little about yourself and how you got into the wine business

Q2:

Give us a little description of Naxos, the fabulous new restaurant in the Red Rock Casino, so our listeners can get a feel for this beautiful space and a little about the menus (food and wine)

Q3:

Can you give us 1 or 2 wines that you feel everyone must try.. maybe they are your favorite wines or perhaps hidden gems on the list… (could be BTG and/or BTB) and why you recommend them

Q4:

For those on a budget but looking still looking for a quality wine and food experience which “value wines” would you recommend from your list?

(Preferably a white and red)

Q5:

And then given it’s a casino, I'm sure you have clients that come in and for them the price is no object, they are just looking to celebrate and impress their friends or family… which wine would you suggest for that occasion? And what would be the best food item to pair with it from the menu?

That’s a wrap.