Estilo Y Vino Wine Bar in Beacon, New York: Meet the Sommelier

Oct 26

We sat down with Sommelier/Owner Elizabeth Rodriguez of Estilo Y Vino Wine Bar in Beacon, New York. Visit Estilo Y Vino for its inviting atmosphere where great wine and delicious tapas spark meaningful conversations. This charming wine bar offers a warm, welcoming space perfect for connecting with others over expertly paired drinks and bites. Everyone is invited to experience the special vibe that makes Estilo Y Vino unique.

Estilo Y Vino Wine Bar in Beacon, New York: Meet the Sommelier

Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?

For me, my day starts with meditation before heading out to work. I need to stay connected with my spirituality and myself. I cannot start my day without prayer and gratitude for another day. I have a long commute to my day job, so a nice tall black cup of coffee is my companion, along with an audiobook for the road. I like to end my day on the couch with my family, watch a show, and talk about our day. It doesn’t always end up that way, but most days when I am home, that’s the routine.

What’s a good way for someone to start developing their wine palate?

I guess everyone is different and has different taste buds, but for me, I believe it is best to educate your palate with a wine that is semi-sweet, low in acidity, and low in tannins if red; a white or a light red can introduce you to the wonderful world of wine tasting and notes. Starting your wine journey with any of these will give you a sense of more, and your journey will begin there, where you want to discover other notes and aromas. Most people think that all wines taste the same, especially non-carnivores, but they do not.

Can you explain the difference in your own words between Old World and New World wines?

In my own words, the differences are in notes, aromas, taste, climate, and opportunity. The new world has more fruit-forward wines, therefore higher alcohol levels, and the longer the grapes are exposed to the sun, the sweeter they become. The new world also brings fuller- bodied wines and beautiful colors.

In contrast, the old world’s wine has more mineralityand acidity. These wines have earthy tones and subtle notes, offering a nice balance between acidity and herbal notes. The climate in the Old World is cooler, which is better for some grapes that require that type of climate to develop the right notes.

What kind of wine do you typically enjoy the most?

My go-to wine is a French Pinot Noir; I love the notes and what it does for me. I love French pinot noir.

What’s a wine that surprised you recently?

South African Wines have surprised me tremendously. I appreciate that it can be enjoyed on its own or paired with food. I love South Africa Blends and Cabernet Sauvignon. Both of these are very intense and full of black fruit notes. The body transitions from medium to full, and the notes can be bold, which I thoroughly enjoy.

What up-and-coming wine region are you excited about?

I do not have a particular region that I am excited about. I love all wines, and if I could have wines from every area, I would, but my love for wine is less about where it comes from and more about what it brings to the table. For me, wine is a travel guide without the need for actual travel. It is an opportunity to experience the flavors of other regions without actually being there. I would even go as far as to say that one can be transported to another location if you sit on the notes of the wine long enough to appreciate it.

What’s your Instagram so that readers can follow you?

What’s one common wine myth you’d love to debunk?

That all wines taste the same. Not true, every wine is distinctive based on the region that it comes from, the climate, the terroir, the irrigation, the fermentation vessels, the winemaker's process, and so on. Another misconception is that white wine should be paired with fish and white meat, while red wine is reserved for red meat. I am the first one to tell you to drink your wine of choice with the appetizers you prefer. My goal is to enjoy a glass of wine.

What’s a grape varietal most people overlook but should try?

Grenache (at least in my experience).

Tell readers why they should visit your wine bar?

You should come to Estilo Y Vino because it is a great and beautiful place. Everything about the wine bar is special and brings people together in conversation by sharing a glass of wine. I think people are hungry for connections and meaningful conversation, and the bar is a great place to create that kind of interaction. Also, the bar offers a great variety of wines and delicious tapas that pair really well with our wine selection. Everyone is welcome to the bar. This space is personal and meaningful, and everyone is welcome to come in and experience that.

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