40 Under 40

On Tuesday, September 10th, more than 100 attendees gathered at New York City’s Intersect by Lexus restaurant to celebrate Wine Enthusiast’s 40 Under 40 Tastemakers of 2019, a cross-section of stars on the rise working with wine, beer, spirits and cider. This year’s 40 Under 40 Tastemakers list marks the sixth year of the franchise, said noted Wine Enthusiast Executive Editor Susan Kostrzewa. The collective talent represented “speaks to innovation, progressive attitude and the future of wine,” she said. Addressing to the assembled honorees, she added, “We hope we can support you in your career going forward.” Andrea Morris, beverage director for Intersect by Lexus–NYC and one of the 2019 40 Under 40 honorees, presided over the room. Other attendees included Amanda Wittstrom-Higgins, VP of Operations at Ancient Peaks Winery, who is also featured on the issue’s cover; Kirk Wiles, founder/CEO of Paradise Springs Winery; Morgan First, founder of Rosé Mansion; and Ed Bailey and Day Bracey, co-hosts of the Drinking Partners podcast. A number of 40 Under 40 alums also turned out to support their peers, including Alisha Blackwell-Calvert, sommelier at Elaia in St. Louis, beverage consultant Pamela Wiznitzer and Em Sauter, founder/cartoonist of Pints and Panels. Partygoers were greeted with glasses of La Crema NV Brut Rosé and, over the course of the high-energy evening, enjoyed a selection of California wines provided by La Crema including the 2017 Nine Barrel Pinot Noir and 2016 Fog Veil Vineyards Pinot Noir. Intersect is noted for showcasing chefs from around the world, rotating the menu and drink lists to spotlight the creative techniques and flavors each brings. On this special evening, the spotlight was on Mishiguene, a Buenos Aires-based restaurant specializing in modern Jewish cuisine. Chef Tomás Kalika shared an array of mezze and delightful bites such as short rib pastrami sliders and qatayef, a mix of lamb, walnuts and tahini. In addition, Intersect’s signature Frenchie fried chicken also pleased the crowd. Check out the full list of 40 under 40 Tastemakers of 2019.