Contributors

Claudio Ponte

Claudio's only real qualification as a wine "expert" is that he knows what he likes. Claudio started drinking water-diluted red wine as a child, enjoyed an occasional glass at important celebrations while growing up (where wine was always on the table), graduated to Mateus rose as a freshman in college, moved to woody California Chardonnays, then to big reds... and ultimately ended up managing a winery, the ultimate wine lover's job.

He has been exposed to every type of snobbery and fraudulent misrepresentation related to wine. He has wrinkled his nose at some of the best Bordeaux has to offer, has marveled at the smells of 100 year old Madeira, has taken 5 aspirins (it did not help) after participating in a monster vertical tasting with friendly grape growers, and has now settled in his middle years to enjoy what most would call "drinkable" wines.

Other than having a fairly adventurous bent when it comes to wine varieties, his taste is fairly unsophisticated, and he's quick to admit he could never make a living with his palate. Claudio dislikes overpaying for wine, especially at restaurants, and his legendary stinginess gets him the wine list every time, no matter who's treating. Looking for value he'll always pick the odd red, or the weird white or (blushing...) a dry rose. Other than Ponte wines, he drinks Malbecs, Tempranillos and Torrontes and is patiently waiting for the Ponte Arneis vines to "grow up" to add to his list.

He's slowly "working" though other wine regions worldwide looking for new wines to like and for new food experiences. He believes that wine and food are best enjoyed where they are produced.

Kerry Pulverman

As the writer for our blog Wedding Vines Kerry is a certified wedding professional and active member of the Association of Bridal Consultants. Through this industry leading organization, she has earned the designation of Professional Bridal Consultant TM. She is committed to continuing her education and stays current on industry trends by regularly attending meetings and conferences through the Association of Bridal Consultants (besides the fact that she just LOVES everything weddings). She is a graduate of California State University Fullerton, holding a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. Yes, we said, Accounting! That is why she is so good at the details! Kerry not only was married at Ponte Winery but also held a position as wedding coordinator for some time. After starting her own wedding and event planning business called de Luxe Weddings and Events Kerry now works out of her home office helping brides realize their dreams. We are honored and privileged to have her bi-monthly wedding blogs with tips, stories and real weddings to share with our brides, Wine Club Members and guests.

Erica Martinez

A southern California native, Erica Martinez is our resident food and wine blogger who currently resides in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. As the former Online Store and Marketing Manager for the winery Erica is well versed in the Ponte Winery story and knows and understands our Wine Club Members very well. Besides working full time at GNC Nutritions headquarters and writing and editing for the winery you will find her testing Thomas Keller and Julia Child recipes in her home kitchen with her new husband. A lover of fine wine and food and a believer in the experience it creates, Erica is able to demystify complex recipes and wine tasting notes with humor.