Belinda Chang, wine director at Wine Service Nominee The Modern, was in the presence of greatness when she found out her restaurant made the semifinals, and again when the news broke of their nomination:
“I was in Alsace at the legendary, historic Trimbach winery in February when the semifinalists were announced. I was with Jean Trimbach and his niece and we were opening up older and older Rieslings. My phone started buzzing and buzzing. I thought someone must have died or something. Then, on the day of the nominees announcement I was at Gramercy Tavern with winemaker Brian Talley and a room full of 25 sommeliers and journalists. Again, my phone started buzzing. I jumped up and screamed, and somehow managed not to spill wine all over myself! Tonight, I think I need to have a really fantastic winemaker sitting next to me. They seem to be good luck!”
