I had the opportunity to be part of a Champagne tasting class, and I had the most fun, it was virtual but it felt like Melissa was in the room with you, not only teaching me about Champagne, but about how to pair specific wines, sparkling’s you name it. It was like a party, the first party I attended since the pandemic put a halt on social activities.
If I had a budget that allowed for a wine cellar, and lots of wine, if that budget allowed for a chef, endless wine parings, Melissa would be the person who would plan it all, and keep the party going. I trust her, and you should too, whether it’s building a wine cellar from scratch, planning an event, ordering wine, champagne, taking inventory, and if you’re lucky preparing a meal, she’s your gal. I literally was so impressed by her that I had to ask her questions and lucky for me, she had a few minutes to spare, thank you Melissa.
Fashion Icon: I love Jenna Lyons. She perfectly marries masculine, feminine, casual, and formal. And Kamala Harris. Chucks with business attire, Timberlands with skinny jeans, Yes please.
Last item purchased before the pandemic: These nude platform wrap sandals for a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii that we’d been planning for our family for nearly a year. Three days after we got there they closed the beaches and the parks. It was torture being on an island and not being able to get in or near the water.
Last book read: Tasting The Past by Kevin Begos. You can never stop learning about wine, and learning about its origins is fascinating to me.
Beauty Routine: It’s constantly evolving, but I love Suki’s exfoliating face foaming face scrub. The smell is amazing and my skin loves it. Dr. Jart+Ceramidin™ Cream is my favorite moisturizer. I am so in love with IT Cosmetics CC Illumination Cream. Incredible texture, filled with amazing ingredients, 50+ SPF, I have very fair skin, and it leaves a wonderful dewy finish. I apply it using an Artis makeup brush. Once I started using both of these together I would get compliments every day.
I’m also a Thrive Cosmetics convert. Their mascara is incredible. Waterproof, but easy to wash off with warm water. I love it. I was using their brow gel until I took the leap and got my eyebrows microbladed a couple of months ago. Their Brilliant Eye Brightener eyeshadow stick in Muna makes eye makeup a breeze and it’s easy to play with. The product I’ve used for nearly three decades is L’oreal’s liquid eyeliner. I’ve never found anything that comes close to it. And because I’ve got insanely sensitive hands, I’ve found that Caudalie’s Hand Cream is the best on the market.
Wish List: This lady is making Apple Watch bands out of repurposed Louis Vuitton bags and I’m obsessed. I can’t believe how quickly I’ve become addicted to my watch after not wearing one since I was in elementary school.
What wine would you pair with a wagyu beef burger: A gorgeous aged Bordeaux like 2010 Lynch Bages or Smith Haut Lafitte.
6320 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558
What wine would you pair with oysters: A crisp dry Champagne like Billecart’s Blanc de Blanc.
Favorite winery in Napa and Sonoma: Robert Sinskey in Napa Valley. They have an incredible biodynamic program and offer an unbeatable full circle culinary experience. It’s right on the Napa/Sonoma border, but you really can’t go wrong with Domaine Carneros.
This is the domestic project of Tattinger, and they make truly incredible sparkling wines. Their Le Reve is my favorite.
Thank you Melissa, these wineries are on my destination list, here’s to running around chic in Napa and Sonoma.
To follow Melissa @Winechef.
Run Around Chic 