Top Napa Wine and Cheese Pairings

NAPA’S NEW WHOLE FOODS STORE WITH ARTISAN CHEESES AND AMPLE WINE SELECTION – THE TALK OF THE TOWN!

I heard it from my hairdresser – everyone’s buzzing about Napa’s new Whole Foods store. I visited just after my appointment, and the place was swarming with people, having just opened on January 16th. I made my way from section to section, mouth wide open, as I marveled over the stunning meat and fish cases, welcoming wine tasting station and astonishing lineup of ready-to-eat deli soups, including Bouillabaisse and Cioppino!

But where I stopped and never made it further, was the ample cheese section, strategically placed next to the extensive wine array. I had to fight to maintain position as others rifled through the selections, and I picked up a few intriguing slices for myself.

I overheard a customer ask a cheese clerk for advice on appropriate cheeses to serve at a cabernet tasting she would be hosting. Instantly, the clerk referred her to the store’s Wine Specialist, Michael Blasquez. I watched him expertly assist her, and realized here was my wizard.

MICHAEL BLASQUEZ: Wine Specialist at Whole Foods, Napa

After years of retail work that contributed to his first-class customer service skills, Michael Blasquez had an epiphany around his 40th birthday. He felt compelled to work in the fascinating world of wine, and took a position as Wine Steward at a specialty market. “Classified growth Bordeaux, premiere cru Burgundy, Champagne, and California’s, Italy’s and Australia’s finest bottles drew me into a career that has been a sheer delight.”

Blasquez is a member of The Court of Master Sommeliers, was wine buyer and retailer for several retailers, and Wine Director for Oakville Grocery Company. “I have seen the popularity of wine, specialty cheese, organic and natural foods rise to the incredible level of popularity we see today. At Whole Foods, this interest has risen to a higher level, with some of the world’s finest wines and cheese from around the world, and—just up the road. Sharing this with our guests is an incredible privilege and a great honor.”