My name is Allison Levine. I am based in Los Angeles California and own a boutique marketing and event planning agency called Please The Palate. My focus is on the wine industry. I work with wine regions to organize trade events across the US. I am also a freelance wine and travel writer, a podcast host, and a wine educator. I am the creator and owner of a consumer events called The Festival of Forgotten Grape. In California, 93% of grape plantings are to 9 grapes. This event celebrates the 100+ varieties that make up the remaining 7%.

 

The wine world is faced with numerous challenges all at once! Climate change is ongoing. The anti-alcohol movement is a big threat. There is a decrease in consumption for a number of reasons. Increasing costs, the tariffs, and on and on!

 

The viticultural areas I most admire – there are many and for different reasons. I appreciate areas that focus on responsible farming and ban the use of herbicides. I love regions with old vines. I love regions with high elevations, volcanic soils, limestone soils, biodiversity in the vineyard. there are so many reasons to love a variety of areas. I am not as impressed by the perfectly manicured and overly perfect properties. 

 

Every day is different for me. If I am working on an event, there is lots of time at my computer and on the phone. If I am writing a story, there is the experiential, learning part which requires travel and interviews and then back on to the computer. No two days are the same which requires me to be organized and to plan efficiently and effectively.

 

You are buying me one wine? If budget is no issue….hah! a bottle of Krug? Or a very unique, beautifully textured wine that has a story behind it. That is what I really like…..to enjoy the texture of a wine that has a story to it (whether it is the place it is from, the winemaker, or the grape)

 

As a project-based business, there is a joy to the freedom and flexibility but it is also frustrating the inconsistency. Sometimes I am so busy and other times, I need more work. I miss consistency but also love diversity and freedom.

 

Yes you can make an artistic wine at a low price. I know many winemakers who do that.

 

A wine I no longer enjoy?  I have never been one to drink exclusively a brand, variety, or region. There are styles I tend to prefer more now and others I prefer less. And there are a few bottles I have opened that I have been disappointed as I know the wines were better before the winemaker sold the winery.

 

My favorite variety? So many – I love the forgotten grapes…Grignolino, Counoise, Valdique, Rucche….but also Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Gamay, Grenache, Pinot. The list is too long!

 

The most overrated aspect of the wine world? I think many think it is a glamorous world….and there are glamorous aspects. But it is hard work. Those of us who work in it are fortunate to taste amazing wines, meet amazing people, and travel to great places…for work. I do not think that is overrated but I do not think people understand how much work goes into it to get to that place.

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If I could go back in time, I am not sure there is anything I would tell myself as I think that everything has happened for a reason and at the right time. But I would remind myself that the hard work pays off and to be open to opportunities as you never know where they lead!

 

I think the most important things the wine world can do to adapt to climate change is to be responsible farmers. I am not a viticulturist but in my talking to farmers, vineyard managers, and winemakers who farm without the use of herbicides and follow organic, biodynamic, and regenerative models, they all see better fruits and vines that respond better to the challenges of the environment. 

 

To relax, I love to travel….and usually that means to wine regions. I love to eat good food with friends. And at home, I swim in the mornings which I find relaxing, even though it is exercise. Also, sometimes just checking out and binging a tv show or movie will help me relax.

 

I learned to drink wine in Italy and will also defer to them. I love how wine is a part of culture. It is a part of life, society, friendship, gathering together. 

 

I cannot think of any other questions.

 

Thanks!

Allison