SOMM Journal: Judgment of Arizona
Judges: Raini Keyser, CSW, GM of Vinum 55; Mark Tarbell, restaurateur; Michelle Jacob, GM of Gertrude’s at the Desert Botanical Garden; Gary Spadafore, CWE, CSS, Wine Educator; Tim Hanni, MW, Author; Lori Hassler, CSW, chef and restaurateur (all photos: Debby Wolvos Photography)
In the current issue of SOMM Journal, my Sonoran Scoop column recaps the exciting results of "Judgment of Arizona" when “...Arizona swept three out of the top four red wine spots, with Laramita Cellars 2022 Sangiovese clinching Light-Bodied Red and the Los Milics 2020 Mo's blend tying with Dos Cabezas 2020 Red for best Full-Bodied & Rich Red. The latter also claimed Best Overall Red…” Find my column on page 20 of the digital issue HERE.
Here is the revised lineup with Michelle Jacob added as the third judge, lightly polished for consistency and clarity, and the order adjusted accordingly. Content is preserved, tone aligned with the rest of the bios.
Judgment of Arizona – Judges’ Bios
Raini Keyser – Vinum 55, General Manager (CSW, WSET 2)
Raini Keyser holds the Certified Specialist of Wine credential from the Society of Wine Educators and is a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers. For 14 years, she worked for what is now Hillstone Restaurant Group, managing the bar program at Bandera and curating the wine program for Houston’s. She later joined Tarbell’s, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in biology, achieved her CSW certification, and discovered her true passion for fine wine. Raini is now the General Manager of Vinum 55, a membership-based wine experience offering temperature-controlled storage, on-site tastings and education, and special wine events. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three boys, hiking, and practicing yoga.
Mark Tarbell – Tarbell’s Restaurant, Tarbell’s Tavern, Tarbell’s Wine Store
When Mark Tarbell turned 14, the “Vineyard Elf” was born. Fascinated by cooking and wine, he received his first cookbook—Jacques Pépin’s La Technique—and his culinary journey began. At 18, Mark completed a culinary apprenticeship at the Sonesta Hotel in Amsterdam. On his days off, he spent his earnings on Bordeaux and sought out experts to teach him about wine. He later attended culinary school in Paris at La Varenne, earning a Grande Diplôme d’Études Culinaires, and continued his wine education at Steven Spurrier’s L’Académie du Vin. For seven summers, he lived and traveled with his instructor, Peter Vezan, then considered one of France’s top wine palates. Together, they worked and tasted alongside great French grape growers and winemakers, giving Mark a rare insider’s view of wine. He continues to excite the wine world through his Cha Cha Mouche wines and by curating a distinctive wine selection at The Wine Store in Phoenix, Arizona.
Michelle Jacob – Gertrude’s Restaurant, General Manager
Michelle Jacob servesas General Manager of Gertrude’s Restaurant. Drawing on her diverse experience and leadership expertise, Michelle has guided Gertrude’s from its inception to its position as a leader in Arizona’s evolving culinary and wine scene, earning accolades including Phoenix Excellence in Sustainability, Best Patio, Best Destination Restaurant, Best Locavore, and more. She also sits on the judges panel for the Arizona Wine Growers Association’s (AWGA) annual wine competition presented by Arizona Republic/azcentral.
Gary Spadafore – Wine Educator (CWE, CSS, WSET 3)
Over a career spanning four decades, Gary Spadafore has traveled extensively throughout the wine and spirits regions of France, Italy, Spain, Germany, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, and North America to deepen his expertise. Formerly with Hyatt Hotels as Beverage Director and later as Director of Education for Alliance Beverage/Breakthru Wholesaler in Phoenix, he went on to found Spada4Solutions LLC. Gary is an Accredited Bordeaux Tutor through L’École du Vin de Bordeaux and a Bourgogne Wine Ambassador through the École des Vins de Bourgogne. He has served on the board of the Society of Wine Educators, was senior educator at The Sommelier Company, and holds numerous additional wine and spirits credentials. Gary earned his undergraduate teaching degree from Northern Michigan University and has held teaching certificates in both Michigan and Arizona. Outside of wine, he is an accomplished motorcyclist, racer, and touring enthusiast.
Tim Hanni, Master of Wine (MW), Author
Tim Hanni MW is a longtime veteran of the wine industry and culinary arts. He is an international wine consultant and educator, teaches wine business courses, and is the first American resident to earn the Master of Wine credential. Dubbed the “Wine Anti-Snob” by The Wall Street Journal, Tim is widely known for his approach to personalizing the enjoyment of wine. He is also a professionally trained chef and an international consultant to the wine industry. Tim is the author of Why You Like the Wines You Like: Changing the Way the World Thinks about Wine, a paradigm-shifting book that focuses on expanding wine enjoyment by understanding the factors influencing personal wine preferences. He lives with his wife, Kate, in Prescott, Arizona.
Lori Hassler – The Farish House Restaurant, Owner (CSW)
Lori Hassler’s career in wine began with travel, European language studies at ASU, and a translation job with coworkers from around the world. Soon thereafter, she dove into catering and events, which led to her first restaurant, Radda Caffè-Bar, in 2004—an effort to recreate the Tuscan café and trattoria experience in a modern style. Developing the wine program there launched a nine-year career in wine sales, culminating in her role as an import wine specialist. In 2018, the pull to create a classic restaurant proved irresistible, and The Farish House was established—where a bottle of wine is an experience, much like sharing a meal with loved ones.