July 9th 2016 saw the graduation ceremony of the Los Angeles class of 2015 of newly "pinned" WSA/NASA Silver-Pin Certified Sommeliers. The ceremony and toast was held at the TERRONI restaurant in downtown LA, private room and featured sponsor Villa Sandi with their top-winning Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore 'Cartizze' "Vigna la rivetta" label. The only prosecco to consistently win 3 glasses Gambero Rosso !
"You have just bought yourself a whole deal of responsibility. Society will now look up to you to educate people on the ancient culture of wine, alcoholic beverages and fine dining, as well as the ancient discipline of the Sommelier. Your well earned pin is just the beginning of a life long journey that starts HERE and NOW." expressed Diego Meraviglia's (NASA Vice President & Director Of Education) opening speech - which was followed by NASA's traditional mingle and festivity.
Class of 2015 presented one of the highest average scores of any Los Angeles class.
The newly Certified Silver-Pin Sommeliers are :
ANDREA SALARIS
KAYO NISHIMOTO
SARA DENVIR
CHERYL CARDEN (Distinction)
JOSEPH MERTEL
CHRISTINA SHERWOOD
SABRA WHITE
LAURA DONADONI (Distinction)
SIMONE BACCARI
PAOLO CARCIONE (Distinction and "best in class")
We sincerely wish all the best in the future careers and lives of these bright individuals ! Welcome to the family !!