Don’s passion for imbibing began when he was introduced to the new guard of groundbreaking winemakers working the Napa Valley during the “California Wine Boom” in a college business course.
That interest transformed into an obsession for beverage esoterica. While living in Spain a glass of “real” absinthe inspired Don to begin researching and writing about the drinks that were then ignored by the majority of American food and wine writers at the time. Later, living in Tokyo prompted an interest in sake. This combination of drinks lead to contributions to a variety of travel and lifestyle magazines including: The Wine Spectator, L.A. Style, Pacifica Magazine, and many others.
This early work ultimately led to invitations to be a contributing editor at several publications. He served as the “alternative dining editor” for The Honolulu Weekly, the foreign wine contributor for a sake publication, Jokaishunjyu, in Tokyo and the monthly wine editor for RSVP Magazine for several years each.
He has since written documentary segments on food and beverages for various local and syndicated PBS programs including Hawaii Cooks with Roy, New American Cuisine and The Kitchen Sessions with Charlie Trotter. Don’s most impressive beverage credential is he may be the only person who has had wine spilled on him by both the late Julia Child and Robert Mondavi.
Today, Don is particularly interested in the ugly duckling grape varietals largely ignored by the wine industry. He also continues his never-ending search to find the world’s most unpalatable beverage. He is currently working on a book entitled Liquid History and looking for sponsors for an episodic documentary series. The concept of Liquid History examines the interconnected nexus of social influences, economic impact and cultural implications that underlie the creation of the world’s most popular beverages.
