Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom Zarillo
Hi Tom, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my journey loving wine many years ago. It wasn’t until a friend of mine opened an Italian restaurant in NYC that I truly got to experience really great wines that woke up my palate. In time I knew I had to try more and learn more. I proceeded to enroll at the International Wine School in NYC while I was living there and completed the WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) and passed Levels 1,2, and 3. I then went on to study Italian Wine/Regions with the Wine Scholar Guild and passed two levels including Northern and Southern Italy. I’m currently deciding which region I want to explore next.
I started my Instagram page @winebarchronicles about 6 or so years ago. The name came about while I was out with friend bouncing around different wine bars in Manhattan. I noticed that every time I was out I got to meet and talk to people. Also between dining out and travel I had a nice list of places for people to try and made recommendations, not just in NYC but also in different U.S. cities and abroad. At first I just played around on Instagram posting things for fun but as I got more serious about wine and followed people whose wine content truly interested me I became more aware of the kind of content I wanted to share. It was always about wine, food, and travel. Something many people enjoy and relate to. Between meeting people out and about and experiencing different wines I found that there is a story in every glass.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Overall my experience has been a smooth one. With that said, balancing life, work, and study is always a challenge, especially when you want to excel at all and please the people you care about.
In social media I have come across some skepticism from journalists on press trips to other countries while visiting wineries. Journalists sometimes have a preconceived idea of social media influencers. In their role writing about wine they do not always understand the role of the influencer as well as the knowledge they may have. It’s been my experience where once journalists spend some time with you and see that you have credentials and knowledge and know what you’re talking about their opinion changes. I find that wine continues to bring people together, forging new relationships, both business and personal and makes for a wonderful community.
Also, while on a press trip sometimes the itineraries are jammed packed and can be overwhelming. Other influencers, including myself, always recommend some down time to reflect and process our visits to make quality, and relatable content. This has been an improvement I’ve seen more recently.
About two and a half years ago I moved from Manhattan to Charleston. NYC has been a part of my entire life. I grew up just outside of the city and knew as a child I wanted to live in NYC. After living there for 30 years my husband and I decided it was a good time for a change. We fell for the charm of Charleston and made the move. It’s also a short flight back to NYC so I can get back there to see family, friends, and attend wine events. Charleston also has a very exciting food and wine scene with something new always popping up. I was able to land an exciting job when I arrived here pouring wine, selling wine, and making connection and new . Sadly that came to end when the business closed for restructuring the use of the space. One thing I will say, I have met amazing people here and I have built a circle of friends that I cherish.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I recently left my 30 year career with the NYC Department of Education. From High School teacher to Assistant Principal to Director of Operations to Budget Director I am truly honored to have had a rewarding career supporting NYC students and principals. During my tenure here I decided to learn about wine. While it was certainly a chance to do something different I knew as time went on my passion for learning and experiencing all things wine was growing- fast. My passion for wine comes through in my social media on Instagram making wine approachable, relatable, and most of all fun. While I do migrate to Italian wines people know me to be ready to explore and enjoy so many other regions of the wine world . These include Chile, Argentina, Croatia, Greece, Spain, Australia and more. I love to meet people, share experiences, talk wine, and collaborate. I have been fortunate to connect with many people who share interest in wine as well as being offered opportunities I never expected. These include attending press trips to Italy, Spain, the FingerLakes, and California. I’ve been invited to dinners and luncheons and wine trade events that have allowed me to hear the stories behind the wine which to me is priceless. I also get many samples of wine sent to me and it provides me an opportunity to try new wines and share my thoughts and reviews.
This past Fall I was able to collaborate with a travel company in Umbria in Italy. We planned and built an itinerary for a wine retreat that included staying at a villa and visiting wineries there and in Tuscany as well as have the chance to explore some Italian cities including, Montalcino, Siena, and Pienza . I had my group meet in Rome, where I helped plan their time there including exploring the Eternal City as well as lunches and dinners. I have been to Rome about 45 times so I know it well and was so excited to have shared my love for this city and Italy. Wine keeps bringing people together.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I follow many people on Instagram who I continue to be inspired by. There is a connection here like no other that constantly brings a smile to my face. I do read books about wine. I consider myself a life long learner. The most recent book I purchased was “One Thousand Vines” by Pascaline Lepeltier, a famous female Somm in NYC who is truly an inspiration to so many people in the wine industry.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @winebarchronicles
