Andrew Rastapkevicius

That thing I do (Occupation)

Based in Kingston, I provide the best service I can to all my licensees and LCBOs in Eastern Ontario. I sell wine, hold wine tastings, write wine lists, do staff education and help private clients build their cellars. I also produce a video wine blog in my spare time profiling several of our producers from around the world: www.behindthewine.ca.

Fondest wine memory

My fondest wine memory would have to be co-hosting an Il Borro and Castiglion Del Bosco wine dinner with Salvatore Ferragamo for 350 people aboard the Globe & Mail Mediterranean Odyssey Cruise ship while moored off the coast of Tuscany in Livorno. The Il Borro IGT was among the first wines to enchant me into this business, and it was a complete pleasure to spend an evening with the man behind the wine.

Favorite wine region

In terms of wine alone, I usually find myself defaulting to Italy. I’m a sucker for great Sangiovese or Nebbiolo in any of their DOCG forms. But in terms of geography, nothing has compared to New Zealand. You could exile me to NZ where I would happily drink some of the world’s best Sauv Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Noir while staring at mountains, ocean and sheep for the rest of my life.

Favourite Lifford wines

The wines of Domaine Weinbach are just a jackpot of admirable character traits. I’ve had nothing less than a perfect wine from them every time. Other favorites include Champagnes Bruno Paillard & Nicolas Feuillatte, Cullen & Cakebread Chardonnays, Felsina Fontalorro, Il Poggione Brunello and all the Felton Road Pinot Noirs.

First job

Probably scampering behind the tractor at 6 or 7 years old, transplanting little tobacco plants in the spots where the planter had missed. Growing up on a tobacco and vegetable farm, I didn’t really have a “first job” per se; there was always work to be done from the beginning.

Indulgence

Almost as much as I love wine, I love really good coffee. Single origin Ethiopian Yirgacheffe and really good lattes are big indulgences for this guy.

What or where do I retreat to?

I love to cook at home. So spending an evening with friends, preparing a hearty meal while slowly sipping some delicious wine and listening to great music is my picture of relaxation.