Russ Lorber IWA – Founder
In 2013, a wine guru walked into my life, and I set off on a path of demystifying the wines of Europe–a section of stores and wine lists that I previously avoided. This path rewarded me with an understanding of what wine really is…a centerpiece of gatherings with families and friends; something to facilitate celebration. When visiting family wineries in Europe, I found the experience to be like an invitation to a family gathering, and I admired the passion of the winemakers for their craft. I launched Wide Roots to bring the essence of this experience to more wine drinkers, hoping to help them in unlocking this world much the same way that I did for myself.
I am certified by Vinitaly International Academy as an Italian Wine Ambassador. I am also the subject of Wine Hunter, a documentary that follows my journey launching Wide Roots and my travels through the vineyards of Italy.
“Voices” Interview on Italian Wine Podcast
“Everyday Wine with Kris Levy” Interview
Vinny DiPino IWA, Wine Consultant
I would say my love for Italian wine started in college while bartending at an old school Italian Restaurant called “Rocco’s” in Little Italy, Baltimore. It was here where I started learning of Italian varietals and styles of wines. As I tasted and poured for customers, I enjoyed learning about these different wines and sharing them with people. My passion for Italian culture, however, started when I was very young through the traditions my family kept, especially around the holidays, and dishes that we would eventually cook as we got older. When I did get older, wine also entered the picture and after traveling to Italy right after I graduated, I realized that I wanted to work in wine, any and every way I could; Italian wine especially. Over the last decade I’ve been lucky to travel to Italy a number of times, always seeking inspiration from restaurants, wine shops/bars, vineyards, and locals. When I started working more in retail, beverage directing and sales over the last 10 years, I really got to extend this reach of sharing my passion for all of the high quality Italy has to offer.
Along with 10+ years experience in the food and beverage industry, I am certified by Vinitaly International Academy as an Italian Wine Ambassador. I am also a certified Italian Wine Professional, which I received under MS Kathy Morgan at Capital Wine School and WSET Level 2 certified. Outside of working in wine, I enjoy cooking for and with my close friends and family, watching Serie A soccer (Forza Milan!), golfing, being on the water, and experiencing as much of the world and other cultures as possible.