Darlene’s love for food & wine has developed over many years from working with some of the most talented & celebrated chefs in the country. A native of Greenwood, SC, Darlene started out in the restaurant industry as way to support her acting habit. Just like many other struggling actors in Los Angeles & New York, working in fine-dining restaurants at night afforded the luxury of being available for auditions during the day. However, she soon discovered that the stage was not the only place she would shine. Her growing knowledge and passion for food and wine provided a natural progression to Sommelier. She has had the opportunity to work at many fine-dining restaurants in New York & Los Angeles, including Table 8, Chadwick, Reign, Aquamarine & Megu Midtown where she stewarded an award-winning Wine Spectator “Best of” Award. Darlene is a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers & has completed both course levels through the International Sommelier Guild. She holds a MFA in Theatre from SMU & a BA in Theatre from University of South Carolina.
Pairing food & wine is a challenge she embraces by not only exploring the history of classic pairings but also focusing on newer more innovative pairing theories. She is particularly fond of searching-out the smaller artisan producers and wine “craftsman”, whom you will never find gracing the aisles of the local grocery store, except of course, this one.
Whites - (Aromatic, Racy, Structured)
Riesling, Leeuwin 'Artist Series' 2005
Margaret River, Australia
$38
Riesling, Rudi Wiest 'Rhein' 2006
Rheingau, Germany
$28
Semillon/Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc, Henschke 'Tilly's Vineyard' 2005
Barossa, AU
$40
Gewurtztraminer Dry, Gunderloch 2005
Rheinhessen, Germany
$35
Riesling Kabinett, Gunderloch 'Jean Baptiste' 2005 Rheinhessen, Germany 375ml
$20
Riesling Spatlese, Monchhof 'Mosel Slate' 2004
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany
$32
Whites - (Crisp, Dry, Mineral)
Txakolina, Xarmant 2006
Basque, Spain
$32
Soave, Allegrini 2005
Veneto, Italy
$36
Gruner Veltliner, Loimer 'Lois' 2006
Kamptal, Austria
$20
Albarino, Salneval 2006
Rias Baxias, Spain
$19
Cinque Terre, Bisson 'Marea' 2005
Veneto, Italy
$51
Silvaner Dry, Wirsching 2005
Franken, Germany
$27
Sancerre, Jean Reverdy 'La Reine Blanche' 2006
Loire, France
$45
Sauvignon Blanc, Patricia Green 2006
Willamette, Oregon
$37
Sauvignon Blanc, Robert Pecota 2004
Napa Valley, CA
$32
Sauvignon Blanc, Craggy Range 2005
Martinborough, New Zealand
$40
Chablis, Brocard 'St. Claire' 2004
Burgundy, France
$45
Vouvray Sec, Philippe Foreau 'Clos Naudin' 2001
Loire, France
$59
Whites - (Rich, Full, Textured)
Chardonnay, Foxglove 2006
Edna Valley, CA
$36
Macon-Villages, Gerbeaux 2006
Burgundy, France
$32
Chardonnay, Heitz Cellars 2005
Napa Valley, CA
$42
Chardonnay, Keller Estate 'La Cruz Vineyard' 2004 Sonoma Coast, CA
$56
Chardonnay, Belle Pente 'Belle Pente Vineyard' 2003 Willamette, OR
$42
Chardonnay, Talley 'Arroyo Grande' 2005
Central Coast, CA
$47
Chassagne-Montrachet, Philippe Colin 2005
Burgundy, France
$80
Puligny-Montrachet, Henri Clerc 2004
Burgundy, France
$72
Pinot Blanc, Amity 2006
Willamette, Oregon
$40
Pinot Blanc, Weinbach 'Clos des Capucins' 2004
Alsace, France
$46
Viognier, Yalumba 'Y' 2006
SE Australia
$32
Viognier, Miner Family 'Simpson Vineyard' 2006
Napa, CA
$37
Bordeaux Blanc, Chateau Louivere 2003
Pessac-Legonan, France
$67
Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, Domaine St. Benoit 'Cuvee Elegance' 2005
Rhone, France
$43
Chardonnay, DuMol 2005
Russian River, CA
$85
Meursault, T & P Matrot 'Chevaliers' 2005
Burgundy, France
$87