Waldemar Albrecht-Luna, Wine Specialist, The Spanish Table, San Francisco (USA)

Years in Industry:
I am a recent convert to wine (1.5 years). Although I have loved all things food ever since I can remember. I have been a Fromager (Cheese geek) of some reknown (although some might argue the level of recognition) for decades. My passion for wine was cemented as a teenager when my father introduced me to Chinon and Borgueil wines, which -till this day- I still adore. It is incredible that after a career in cheese , I have been offered the opportunity to learn wine. I am enamored, humbled and excited about the varietals, the terroir, the history and the vibrancy of wines that I discover on a daily basis. It is culture encapsulated in a bottle. I am studying to become a sommelier but I look toward the opportunity to work as a vigneron, which as chance may have it, will be at Clos Saron next February.

My Biggest Challenges to Wellness:
My life motto for many years has been “creating uproar wherever I go” — need I say more?. Frankly, I am all in or nothing — passionate, irreverent, brash and verbose, but as I age and start to settle down, it is important to think of the bigger picture ”— my small family, my adored partner Peter and our son Luke the dog. Being new in wine and with my voracious, obsessive personality, it is important to find a balance with drinking and establishing patterns that will lead to a healthy, stable life.

How I Keep It To Together To Stay Well:
Ha! It is a constant struggle, visiting a therapist (Kirk is the best) on a weekly basis has been a godsend to my life. Also my athletic endeavors. I was a track athlete for years ( I ran the 5 and 10k ) and an aspiring tennis player. These days, I play tennis as much as I can. I find the athletic and mental acumen that is required to pin down your opponent keeps you earnest, and a fantastic meal at home with my boys and a raging bottle of Northern Rhone Syrah makes my life complete.

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