Who We Are
I am John Cataneo, Wine & Spirits Buyer, WSET 2, and currently studying for Italian Wine Professionals and The Wine Scholars Guild‘s difficult and coveted Italian Wine Scholar certification exam. That is my main motivation for this blog, and it's fun to write along with the loveliest of women, Melissa Bellini. Mastering Italian wine is a daunting task as many know and I’m hoping that writing this blog will hone my skills and cement in my memory all that I need to know to pass this exam.
I spent the last eight years doing my best to reinvigorate the wine portfolio of a private social club in New York City where I chaired The Food and Wine Committee leading to a position as Wine Buyer. During that time, I was dedicated to curating an Italian-only wine list that represented all significant regions of Italy and their native grapes. I developed a deep connection to Italian wine through self-study, interaction with importers and distributers and extensive personal travel through Western Europe and, of course, Italy in particular, followed by Spain and France. Today, I hope to extend some of what I’ve learned and continue to absorb about this fascinating, endearing world full of ancient traditions and modern ideas. Melissa and I hope you enjoy riding shotgun on this trip with us.
I am Melissa Bellini, mother of two. When the boys were little and in school, I was the funny Italian woman everyone gravitated to for amazing meals, especially when my Sunday sauce took center stage. My kitchen was always a bustling hub of activity, laughs and love. I learned what great home cooking should be from my Sicilian mother and Barese father and continued to deepen and expand on that foundation in my own kitchen. I’ve spent the past three decades exploring and recreating the regional dishes of Italy and, with John's help, the beauty of pairing those delicious creations with wines native to those very regions. These are the simple pleasures I hold dear and enjoy them best when shared with loved ones.
Being a Fordham University graduate with a BA in English, I am using my love of writing to document our travels and experiences with food, wine and all that goes with it. I am also a certified bartender and WSET student. Let’s see if we can have some fun with this. Thanks for visiting!
I spent the last eight years doing my best to reinvigorate the wine portfolio of a private social club in New York City where I chaired The Food and Wine Committee leading to a position as Wine Buyer. During that time, I was dedicated to curating an Italian-only wine list that represented all significant regions of Italy and their native grapes. I developed a deep connection to Italian wine through self-study, interaction with importers and distributers and extensive personal travel through Western Europe and, of course, Italy in particular, followed by Spain and France. Today, I hope to extend some of what I’ve learned and continue to absorb about this fascinating, endearing world full of ancient traditions and modern ideas. Melissa and I hope you enjoy riding shotgun on this trip with us.
I am Melissa Bellini, mother of two. When the boys were little and in school, I was the funny Italian woman everyone gravitated to for amazing meals, especially when my Sunday sauce took center stage. My kitchen was always a bustling hub of activity, laughs and love. I learned what great home cooking should be from my Sicilian mother and Barese father and continued to deepen and expand on that foundation in my own kitchen. I’ve spent the past three decades exploring and recreating the regional dishes of Italy and, with John's help, the beauty of pairing those delicious creations with wines native to those very regions. These are the simple pleasures I hold dear and enjoy them best when shared with loved ones.
Being a Fordham University graduate with a BA in English, I am using my love of writing to document our travels and experiences with food, wine and all that goes with it. I am also a certified bartender and WSET student. Let’s see if we can have some fun with this. Thanks for visiting!