DANIELE TAVERNARO, ZUMA’S SOMMELIER, ON THE HARMONY OF FOOD AND WINE

Daniele Tavernaro was practically born to be a sommelier. Currently pouring at Zuma, the Japanese izakaya restaurant inside the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Tavernaro said he’s been studying the art of wine his whole life.

“It was part of my upbringing, “the native Las Vegan, whose father was also a sommelier, said. “Listening and asking and learning was just part of my household. But I never tried to follow in my father’s footsteps. I just loved food, wine and spirits and found that I had passion for the romance between them.”

Part of Tavernaro’s role is to keep the staff apprised on all the 300-plus wine and sake selections. “I believe we have some amazing offerings to compare with any restaurant,” Tavernaro said. “The list is always evolving to keep our guests happy.”

Tavernaro’s challenge at Zuma was showing people how wine and sake could be paired during the same meal. He realized that Zuma’s cuisine allowed for a “more creative marriage” between the two, especially since the restaurant has three diverse menus, from a kitchen, a sushi counter and a robata grill. “It’s amazing the things I’m able to do with a pairing now,” he said.