As godfathers go, Rick Rubel is an exceptionally nice one. But he is one nonetheless, a key player in the growing wine excellence that Charleston, SC is becoming known for. As an advanced sommelier and wine director of Charleston Grill, Rick’s been studying and serving wine for close to 25 years, but it’s not just his encyclopedic knowledge of the biz and the bottles that make him noteworthy -- Rick inspires and mentors, sharing knowledge with anyone who’s interested, even really Southern food writers who horribly mispronounce words on wine labels on occasion. The Grill has held a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for years, and with more than 1200 selections in its cellar rooms, there’s one man who knows information about them all. And he’s here to help you navigate your bottle selection this season. 

Rick’s Holiday Recs:

Sparkling
Ettore Germano, Rosanna, Vini Frizzanti di Qualità Rosato, Extra Brut $35

Chenin Blanc
Guiberteau Saumur Blanc, Les Moulins, Loire Valley 2017 $30

Albariño
Do Ferreiro Albariño, Salnés, Rias Baixas, 2017 $25

Cru Beaujolais
Daniel Bouland Morgon Corcelette Vieilles Vignes 2017 $30

Splurge Burgundy
Bernard Dugat-Py Charmes-Chambertin, Grand Cru, Burgundy 1996 $1,000ish?

Final Meal Champagne
Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Francaises, Champagne 1982 Priceless (maybe $2K)
Krug Clos d'Ambonnay Blanc de Noirs Brut, Champagne 1996 Priceless (maybe $3K)

Other episodes you might enjoy:

Jordan McKay, Wine & Culinary Writer (Napa, CA)

Thanksgiving Wines with Patrick Emerson, Curated Selections (Charleston, SC)