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Podcast
Eric Solomon with Andy Chabot
May 25, 2021
Blackberry’s Vice President of Food and Beverage Andy Chabot sat down with wine importer and dear friend of Blackberry, Eric Solomon. They discuss Eric’s unconventional path from being a rock drummer to promoting, obscure wineries, how he met his wife because of a bottle of wine, and the profound beauty of imperfection.
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Guest
Eric Solomon
Wine Importer, Eric Solomon Selections
As a rock drummer in London in the late 70s, North Carolina native Eric Solomon walked into a famous wine bar looking for work to supplement his meager income as a musician. Here he would discover that his future vocation was not rock but wine. Later settling in Manhattan, Eric began his new career as a wine importer and talent scout. His growing reputation in Europe and the US as a new, dynamic and successful importer quickly caught the attention of critics. For his pioneering efforts, Eric was recognized by Robert Parker as his 2002 Wine Personality of the Year. He was awarded Best Importer of the Year by Food and Wine Magazine and he has been a James Beard semifinalist for Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional four times. Now celebrating his company’s 30th year, Eric never rests in the pursuit of discovering “generation next” in the wine world and finding the best talent not only in France and Spain but worldwide with the most compelling selection of wines from Switzerland, Chile, Macedonia and, most recently, Lebanon.
Host
Andy Chabot
Blackberry Vice President of Food and Beverage
At the helm of the Food and Beverage programs for Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain, Andy Chabot focuses on creating experiences of taste like no other. As the Food and Beverage Director since 2007, Andy has overseen the growth of Blackberry’s legendary wine program and led the opening of multiple restaurants and concepts. In 2014 The Barn at Blackberry Farm, under Andy’s direction, received the James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine Program. Andy’s features include Imbibe Magazine, Wine Spectator Magazine, Food and Wine Magazine, The TODAY Show and more. Andy has exceeded the advanced level of the Court of Master Sommeliers Exam, received the Michael Bonaccorsi Scholarship and is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. Today, Andy is responsible for all aspects of managing Blackberry’s award-winning wine program and the food and beverage programs of both Blackberry Mountain and Blackberry Farm.
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