On DECEMBER 9th 2018 we minted the new class of SILVER-PIN CERTIFIED SOMMELIERS NASA/WSA at our private events venue (RITA HOUSE) in the heart of West Hollywood, CA.
The ceremony and subsequent party saw the blessing and patronage of top Champagne houses DOM PERIGNON and RUINART, who generously provided their wines in honor of the incredible accomplishment these individuals achieved through hard work, dedication, commitment and passion. Amongst the attendees was Jeridan Frye (Ruinart U.S. Brand Ambassador) & Fahara Zamorano (SG Los Angeles Champagne Specialist for Moet Hennessy portfolio) . The evening began with a network & mingle session showcasing Ruinart Blanc De Blancs Champagne and buffet style appetizers, followed by the minting ceremony where pins and certificates were handed out to the graduating Sommeliers and featuring a sabering (sabrage) of a Dom Perignon Champagne 2009 magnum by Silver-Pin Sommelier, Franco Pafundo using a signature NASA saber.
Dom Perignon Champagne 2009 - en magnum
Ruinart Blanc De Blancs & Dom Perignon Rose’
As NASA President, Diego Meraviglia, said : “This is just the beginning. What you have achieved this evening will be the start of a life-long journey of passion and dedication that will take you to incredible places, meet incredible people, achieve incredible satisfaction, improve your quality of life and inspire others to look up to you. Carry that pin with pride and honor, defend it and never forget what it took. You will reinvent yourselves and keep learning and evolving as COMMUNICATORS OF WINE AND FINE LIVING.”
The course, an over 1.5 year engagement, is a full immersion extensive boot-camp training and engagement that takes passionate individuals through the ABC - 123 of wine and mentors them into carrying the prestigious and historical qualification of SOMMELIER, the all out “rock stars” and “brain surgeons” of the wine & hospitality industries.
Celebrating the Silver-Pin Sommeliers class of 2018
Immense gratitude goes out to the NASA Executive Council (VP Nina Sventitsky, Counselor Irina Ponomarenko, Counselor Stacie Hunt and Counselor Ciro Pirone) without whom this would not have been possible and for the tremendous efforts throughout the year, the organization of this spectacular evening and all the NASA staff, friends & members that participated in making this evening memorable for the newly grads. Thank you to the RITA HOUSE staff for hosting and to Simona Maffei for the event photography and help.
The certificates awaiting their owners
The newly-minted Silver-Pin Sommeliers NASA/WSA, class of 2018, are :
KATHLEEN BUSH (Best in class)
ARJUN DEB
ELIZABETH KRUIS
IRIS KIZAKI
SANDRA O’CONNELL TAYLOR
JANA KRASTINA
RYAN TA
It is with heartfelt respect and friendship that we at the North American Sommelier Association and the Worldwide Sommelier Association wish to welcome these proud individuals to the list of Silver-Pin Sommeliers around the globe. Here's to you and your bright futures ! WELCOME TO THE FAMILY !
