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Randy Caparoso's WineListConsulting.com

About Me

Denver, CO
United States
Member # 954
9 Referrals
Joined Jan. 17, 2008
Seen Feb 27

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I Dreamed I Saw Robert Mondavi

Added a reply Jun. 16, 2008

I Dreamed I Saw Robert Mondavi
3 Replies

Started this discussion. Last reply by Randy Caparoso Jun. 16, 2008.

How do you find a job/employees?

Added a post May. 9, 2008

Employee Romance

Added a post Mar. 9, 2008

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Profile

Title
Restaurant Wine Consultant
Company
Wine List Consulting Unlimited; No Reservations Restaurant Consulting
Website
http://www.winelistconsulting.com
Email
randycaparoso@earthlink.net
Restaurant Segment
Fine Dining
In which categories do you purchase, or specify the purchase of products for your organization?
Liquor / Wine / Beer
Interests
Career Advancement, Consulting, Making Friends
Other Interests
Strong coffee, reading, travel, menudo and NY Times on Sundays, and then more strong coffee, reading, travel and menudo and NY Times on Sundays...
Personal Quote
"I fought against the bottle, but I had to do it drunk" (Leonard Cohen)
Biography
Randy Caparoso has devoted himself to a multi-award winning career managing, judging, speaking, producing and writing about wine since 1978. He currently serves as a restaurant consultant, specializing in wine, Mission construction, FOH management, nuts-to-bolts staff training, and special events planning.

As a restaurant wine professional, Caparoso is perhaps best known as a Founding Partner and the former Corporate Wine Director of the James Beard Award winning Roy’s restaurant group, started in Honolulu in 1988. Before retiring from Roy’s in 2001 to pursue his own winemaking business, Caparoso personally helped transplant twenty six more of these acclaimed restaurants in places as far flung as Maui and New York, Chicago and Bonita Springs, Florida; each location doing close to or over $1 million in yearly wine sales alone.

In recent years Caparoso has expanded on his specialty, serving as opening consultant and GM of a wine-focused restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee called Circa by John Bragg, as well as presiding as Chef Sommelier of the Five Star/Five Diamond Sea Island resort on the coast of Georgia. Venturing into retail merchandising, he has also managed the largest enomatic wine bar/retail store in the world as Vice President of Operations of The Wine Room in Winter Park, Florida.

Between 2001 and 2005 Caparoso was sole proprietor of Caparoso Wines LLC, an alternative label specializing in internationally sourced wines ideally priced for fine restaurant wine by the glass programs, and crafted specifically for contemporary style (especially Asian/fusion) foods. Three vintages of Caparoso wines (2000 case average yearly production) were marketed in twelve states (primarily Hawaii, California, New York, Florida and Georgia).

Among the major awards earned by Caparoso during his career:
· Santé “Wine & Spirits Professional of the Year” (1998 – the magazine’s first ever)
· Restaurant Wine “Marketer of the Year” (1993)
· Restaurant Wine “Wine Marketing Concept of the Year” (1998 – For Roy’s “Upscale Private Label Program”)

In addition, Caparoso has served as wine list judge for Sante's Annual Grand Awards and numerous times for wine judgings such as the L.A. County Fair, New World Wine Competition and Lodi District Grape Growers Association. He has spoken and led panels on many subjects for the Society of Wine Educators, Sante Restaurant Symposium, Unified Wine & Grape Symposium, Aspen Wine & Food Festival, Hospice du Rhone, Lodi ZinFest and Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

Since 1981 Caparoso has also bylined biweekly newspaper wine columns (The Honolulu Advertiser) and served as a regular contributing editor for numerous industry magazines (including Santé, Sommelier Journal, Practical Winery & Vineyard, and Restaurant Hospitality). Many of his thoughts on food and wine can be gleaned on his home page, culinarywineandfood.blogspot.com, as well as on Robin Garr’s Wine Lover’s Page (wineloverspage.com/randysworld). In 1997 he was commended by the Academy of Wine Communications for Excellence in Wine Writing and Encouragement of Higher Industry Standards.
Years in the Industry
Over 30

Award Winning Restaurant Wine Consulting

Randy Caparoso's Wine List Consulting Unlimited

What is a great wine list? After thirty years in the business, we have to say that it is always
1. Profitable
2. Perfectly readable, and informative
3. Focused on your theme and cuisine, your market and clientele, and above all, all the personal touches you bring to your restaurant to make it unique and compelling.

If your list is not doing all of the above, then you probably are not taking full advantage of the contemporary guest's increased interest and enjoyment of wine (wine makes up at least 25% of overall sales in the most successful fine dining restaurants today), and of the incredible variety of wine types and price points at your disposal, no matter where you are in the U.S.

But guess what: a great wine list (and restaurant wine program) is never, never necessarily a big or costly one. During my thirty year career, I've banged out wine lists that that were every bit as varied and interesting as any in the country -- winning all the important awards and acclamations (both locally and nationally) -- with selections never numbering more than a hundred, and standing inventories averaging less than $25,000 (and as little as $12,000).

But the reason why they were really great was because these "short" wine lists generated anywhere from $35,000 to $65,000 in monthly wine sales alone. Meaning, monthly profits of $10,000 to $40,000. Imagine that: a wine list that generates (rather than sinks) cash flow, while generating a mean wine rep to boot.

But those were wine lists for restaurants in which I was a managing partner (please re my bio bar). Your needs may be different (as well it should). In fact, I have composed wine lists for restaurants ranging from short-and-sweet, quick-turnover programs, to full-scale projects entailing exclusive, upscale restaurants, hotels and resorts (i.e. 200-1,000 selection wine lists, inventorying anywhere from $50,000 to $1 million-plus). Big or small, though, I say every wine program should be profitable, highly readable and informative, and laser-sharply focused.

Whether you know your own needs or need help identifying them, Wine List Consulting Unlimited can help you fulfill them. We can offer you the talent, the passion, and a training and support team that has been tested and proven in multiple markets. Don't put yourself in the hands of anything less... because your wine program need not take a backseat to anyone's!

Randy Caparoso
randycaparoso@earthlink.net










Ronn Wiegand, MW, MS (Publisher, Restaurant Wine):
Randy Caparoso was one of the country's most innovative and articulate wine directors. He consistently pushed the envelope at Roy's and established new standards for wine program excellence in a multi-unit company. Equally important, he always accomplished this with a firm eye on the bottom line and a desire to increase his customers' satisfaction in the dining experience.

Doug Frost, MW, MS (President/Industry Consultant, Strong Water):
Randy is the consummate wine professional - brilliant, passionate, totally dedicated and a great contributor to our industry.

Larry Stone, MS (General Manager, Rubicon Estate):
In my estimation Randy Caparoso is one of the most dedicated and imaginative professionals working in the world today. His achievements at Roy's were synonymous with the rise of chef Roy Yamaguchi himself

Evan Goldstein, MS (Director, Allied Domecq Academy of Wine & Service Excellence):
Randy has had one of the most creative on-premise styles that I have worked with over the years. His palate is solid and he always seems to have his finger on the pulse of what's happening and what makes his customers happy.

Rob Constantino (Managing Editor, Santé):
Randy Caparoso is the wine professional's professional. He was our first Santé Wine & Spirits Professional of the Year because his exciting, innovative, ever-changing wine program was an industry model that influenced top sommeliers and restaurateurs around the world. By combining his thorough understanding of food-and-wine with an unflagging enthusiasm for searching out the new, he has enhanced the dining experience of thousands.

Catherine Fallis, MS (Founder/President, Planet Grape; Educator, Culinary Institute of America, Napa Valley):
In the fifteen years that I've known him, Randy has challenged me, as he has challenged many others, to work harder, to raise the bar, and to set rather than follow the trends. A genius in motion.

Rebecca Chapa (Educator, Tannin Management; Wine by the Class, Society of Wine Educators):
Randy Caparoso is probably the most innovative wine buyer I know. His knack for wine and food pairing is unprecedented, and he has the ability to manage a large wine program without being overly rigid. He is also as dedicated and loyal as anyone I know; and above all, he truly relishes the business of wine.

Kermit Lynch (Wine Merchant & Author of Adventures on the Wine Route):
What sets Randy apart? First, his open-mindedness. He adores diversity... a great virtue, because it means that his palate is not deformed by misconceptions. Secondly, he is a master at wine and food combinations... a talent that comes from his incredible imagination...

Randy Caparoso's Photos

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Randy Caparoso's Blog

The war between the greens (sustainable vs. organic vs. Biodynamic® viticulture)

By Randy Caparoso on Sep 22, 2009 at 7:00pm | No Comments (Add) | 9 Views

Green wines have become more plentiful and better than ever, which is good news for all of us, and the environment. One of the unseemly aspects of this inexorable movement, on the other hand, is the public sniping between the various sustainable, certified organic, ... more  

The green wars part 2 (organic, Biodynamic® & sustainable tasting notes)

By Randy Caparoso on Sep 22, 2009 at 6:59pm | No Comments (Add) | 3 Views

Here’s the lowdown on some of the more notable – if not fantastic – organic, Biodynamic®, and sustainably grown wines tasted during (and just after) my most recent jaunt (August 2009) through the West Coast. For an explication of the green delineations, please refer ... more  

Was my old man in Hawai`i a Biodynamic pioneer?

By Randy Caparoso on Sep 17, 2009 at 7:28am | 1 Comment (Add) | 9 Views

Say what you will about Biodynamic® grape growing and winemaking, the methodology makes for entertaining thought. Especially if you're a Pinot Noir lover. One sip of the unique, supple, nostril tingling Pinot Noirs by, say, Marcel Deiss in Alsace, Meinklang in Austri... more  

A wine buyer's precise guide: taking it green

By Randy Caparoso on Jul 31, 2009 at 3:40pm | 2 Comments (Add) | 11 Views

Green Wines Today In California over 5% of the state’s total plantings of wine grapes (over 12,000 acres) are now certified organic by third party organizations like California Certified Organic Farms (CCOF). In a recent study of organic growers in Napa Valley, I f... more  

Organic wine & food matching: Neal Cabernet Sauvignon & braised lamb with mint gremolata

By Randy Caparoso on Jul 1, 2009 at 3:32pm | No Comments (Add) | 1 View

“When I told my dad we were going to take the company organic,” says Mark Neal, “he drove over to Sonoma and came back with a tray of rotten apples and peaches and said, ‘this is how our grapes will look when you grow organic.’” Not to be dissuaded, Mark initiated t... more  

My best from 2009's Hospice du Rhône

By Randy Caparoso on Jun 21, 2009 at 12:44pm | 1 Comment (Add) | 10 Views

This past spring I attended two massive tasting events: the Hospice du Rhône (May 1-2) in Paso Robles, and World of Pinot Noir (March 6-7) in Shell Beach. As much for myself as for your possible interest, here are some of the highlights from the Hospice du Rhône – ... more  

More great Pinots than you can shake a stick at (World of Pinot Noir 2009)

By Randy Caparoso on Jun 21, 2009 at 12:19pm | No Comments (Add) | 9 Views

This past spring I attended two massive tasting events: the Hospice du Rhône (May 1-2) in Paso Robles, and World of Pinot Noir (March 6-7) in Shell Beach. The upshot: there are now more great Pinot Noirs being made than you can shake a stick at. Pinot lovers these ... more  

How can we love 'em (i.e. organic wines) when stores & restaurants won't tell us what is what?

By Randy Caparoso on Jun 18, 2009 at 8:07pm | 1 Comment (Add) | 6 Views

"How can I miss you when you won't go away?" goes the old Dan Hicks song. When it comes to merchandising organic wines in stores and restaurants, the song is more like: how can we appreciate them when you don't even tell us what they are? One thing we do know: like... more  

This is no social crisis: Beckman Purisima & summer grilling

By Randy Caparoso on Jun 14, 2009 at 2:11pm | No Comments (Add) | 4 Views

Randy Caparoso is an award winning wine professional and journalist, living in Denver, Colorado. For a free subscription to Randy's Organic Wine Match of the Day, visit the Denver Wine Examiner. I could see for miles and miles at the top of the Purisima Mountain Vin... more  

Organic wine & food matching: Tres Sabores Perspective and gnocchi with pig's feet ragout & chanterelles

By Randy Caparoso on Jun 9, 2009 at 11:28pm | No Comments (Add) | 4 Views

Randy Caparoso is an award winning wine professional and journalist, living in Denver, Colorado. For a free subscription to Randy's Organic Wine Match of the Day, visit the Denver Wine Examiner. I spent more time with Julie Johnson at her CCOF certified Tres Sabores... more  

Organic wine & food match: Robert Sinskey Marcien & Maria Helm's braised veal shanks

By Randy Caparoso on Jun 7, 2009 at 7:14pm | No Comments (Add) | 3 Views

Randy Caparoso is an award winning wine professional and journalist, living in Denver, Colorado. For a free subscription to Randy's Organic Wine Match of the Day, visit the Denver Wine Examiner. When Biodynamic® guru Alan York began consulting with winegrower/propri... more  

Wine the Grand Illusion (or, The Myth of "Breathing" Wine)

By Randy Caparoso on May 19, 2009 at 1:45pm | No Comments (Add) | 4 Views

Does price affect the "quality" of wine? Yes, indeed it do. At least according to results of a study released last year (2008), conducted by Antonio Rangel, Associate Professor of Economics at the California Institute of Technology (re The Price is Wrong). Rangel ask... more  

Organic wine & food matching: Quivira "Wine Creek" Zinfandel and cheeses-to-die-for

By Randy Caparoso on Apr 17, 2009 at 5:18pm | No Comments (Add) | 4 Views

Randy Caparoso is an award winning wine professional and journalist, living in Denver, Colorado. For a free subscription to Randy's Organic Wine Match of the Day, visit the Denver Wine Examiner. Eating and Drinking Green Makes Sense So now we that we have choices b... more  

Organic wine & food matching: Domaine Vigneau-Chevreau Vouvray and artisanal cheeses

By Randy Caparoso on Mar 29, 2009 at 10:05pm | No Comments (Add) | 2 Views

Randy Caparoso is an award winning wine professional and journalist, living in Denver, Colorado. For a free subscription to Randy's Organic Wine Match of the Day, visit the Denver Wine Examiner. Vouvray is like the girl with the Scarlett Johansson sweetness, Bette D... more  

Organic wine & food matching: Tres Sabores Porque No and pasta with giblets & mushrooms

By Randy Caparoso on Mar 26, 2009 at 8:42pm | No Comments (Add) | 9 Views

Randy Caparoso is an award winning wine professional and journalist, living in Denver, Colorado. For a free subscription to Randy's Organic Wine Match of the Day, visit the Denver Wine Examiner. Julie Johnson, winemaker/proprietor of her own Tres Sabores estate, loc... more  

Organic wine & food matching: Quivira Sauvignon Blancs & fresh herbed pastas

By Randy Caparoso on Mar 24, 2009 at 7:34pm | 1 Comment (Add) | 4 Views

Randy Caparoso is an award winning wine professional and journalist, living in Denver, Colorado. For a free subscription to Randy's Organic Wine Match of the Day, visit the Denver Wine Examiner. “Trying to uncover what a vineyard is trying to say,” says Steven Cante... more  

Southern Oregon Wine Is the Real Deal

By Randy Caparoso on Mar 18, 2009 at 6:30pm | 2 Comments (Add) | 11 Views

A number of Willamette Valley's most prestigious winemakers -- like Ken Wright (pictured below), Lynn Penner-Ash (left), and Laurent Montalieu -- have been crafting Southern Oregon sourced wines for years. You may think this has been just for "fun," but au contraire... more  

Organic wine & food matching: Pierre Morey Meursault & coq au vin blanc

By Randy Caparoso on Mar 1, 2009 at 9:45pm | No Comments (Add) | 5 Views

Randy Caparoso is an award winning wine professional and journalist, living in Denver, Colorado. For a free subscription to Randy's Organic Wine Match of the Day, visit the Denver Wine Examiner. For Pierre Morey – the former (and legendary) winemaker of Domaine Lefl... more  

Organic wine & food matching: Domaine Tempier Bandol & smoked pulled pork

By Randy Caparoso on Feb 26, 2009 at 10:50pm | No Comments (Add) | 2 Views

Randy Caparoso is an award winning wine professional and journalist, living in Denver, Colorado. For a free subscription to Randy's Organic Wine Match of the Day, visit the Denver Wine Examiner. Collette wrote of France’s Jurançon: when I was a young girl, I was int... more  

Organic wine & food matching: Ca' del Solo Muscat & Dong steamed whole fish

By Randy Caparoso on Feb 22, 2009 at 6:34pm | 1 Comment (Add) | 9 Views

Randy Caparoso is an award winning wine professional and journalist, living in Denver, Colorado. For a free subscription to Randy's Organic Wine Match of the Day, visit the Denver Wine Examiner. Because something is happening here, and you don’t know what it is... ... more  

Comment Wall (51 comments)

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At 8:53pm on December 9th, 2008, Randy Caparoso said…
Wow... thanks, Paul!
At 7:47pm on December 9th, 2008, Paul Paz said…
Randy..
GREAT article!
Paul

It's 3 AM, Is Your Wine List Answering the Call?
Pairing Wines with the Economy
by Randy Caparoso December 5, 2008
http://isantetalk.ning.com/profiles/blogs/its-3-am-is-your-wine-list
At 10:28am on September 24th, 2008, Jill Renee Brummond said…
Hello Randy,

Can you send me your email address so i can send you some info on the Wine Experience at Taste of Atlanta that i would love to showcase some of your wines at.

Thank you very much.

Jill Renee
jbrummond@gmail.com
404-394-3902
At 2:36pm on September 3rd, 2008, Caitlin said…
Will do Randy! It's nice to know that someone is interested. Look out for a post about pairing wine with chocolate in the near future!
-Caitlin
At 4:09pm on August 18th, 2008, Gilat Ben-Dor said…
Hi Randy - thanks for connecting! As you know, the Phoenix/Scottsdale area keeps growing by leaps and bounds every year, not only in terms of the population but with its growing food & wine scene, new food & wine festivals, restaurant & wine bar scene, and world-class resorts. (Can you tell I love living here? :-) I look forward to learning more about your next endeavors/projects and helping each other in the future. Cheers! -Gilat
At 12:24am on July 3rd, 2008, Jaunty Tune said…
hmmm, now I've found another backlog of blog to work on :)
At 11:08am on June 14th, 2008, Jonathan Harper said…
hey boss.. nice to meet you
At 10:14am on June 10th, 2008, Joe Archuleta said…
Hola Randy! Just checked your photos, you have such a blessing with your family. Just gorgeous, all of you. Have a great day.
At 12:16pm on May 13th, 2008, sonneville said…
hello randy
i am trying to join herve pennequin , but no answer, i am looking for a partner for seding french wine to usa can you help me?
serge
At 6:41pm on May 8th, 2008, Kathleen Milazzo said…
Randy, thank you for leaving your comment You should check out wahm.com. It's a forum for work at home moms, but there are male members and you can make a lot of contacts there.
 
 

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