The Court of Master Sommeliers was established in April 1977 to encourage improved standards of beverage service, particularly wine + food pairing, in hotels and restaurants. The Little Nell opened on Thanksgiving of 1989 and in our 30-year history, 10 staff members have earned the esteemed Master Sommelier diploma, more than any other establishment in… Read more
How The Little Nell Wine Academy Can Elevate Your Wine Game Wines were tasted. Toasts were made. Friendships were forged. And, at the end of the 2019 Little Nell Wine Academy, a group of 14 wine connoisseurs from across the country celebrated their graduation from what has quickly become a cornerstone of wine education. The… Read more
The Little Nell takes pride in our wine program at the hotel, overseen by Master Sommelier and Wine Director Carlton McCoy. McCoy leads wine tastings and classes for staff on an ongoing basis. The Nell also supports staff pursuits towards wine certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers. Last week, a number of staff from… Read more
The Little Nell is thrilled to share the news from the Court of Master Sommeliers. Our very own Nick Barb of element 47 has passed the grueling Advanced Sommelier exam, held in April 2015. Nick shares his insights into this distinction and the work involved to reach this crowning achievement. The Little Nell: Tell us… Read more
Oh have we got a winter lineup for you. Little Nell Wine Director Carlton McCoy and Food & Beverage Director Sabato Sagaria like to share spectacular wine and food, so they’ve arranged a series of special wine dinners throughout the winter season in Aspen. These meals are about exploring, learning and above all, having fun…. Read more
Join Aspen Film and the Aspen Young Professionals Association for a screening of the film SOMM, the riveting documentary of four sommeliers attempting to pass the prestigious Master Sommelier exam. Dubbed “the hardest test in the world,” hopeful wine professionals prepare years for a 25-minute blind taste test, an oral theory exam and a practical… Read more
As the weather starts to warm in Aspen (kind of…), nothing beats a Pimm’s on a patio. Any patio! The British beverage is delicious and is incredibly easy to mix for a crowd-pleaser of a cocktail. Here’s Food & Beverage Director Sabato Sagaria’s recipe for this treat: Beverage 2 oz Pimm’s 6 oz sparkling lemonade… Read more
We had to share this fun post from SOMM Documentary Film on Facebook. SOMM is an upcoming feature documentary chronicling one of the hardest exams in the world – the Master Sommelier Exam. Filmed in six countries over two years, the film includes our very own Food and Beverage Director Sabato Sagaria as he wrestles with… Read more
Sabato Sagaria is the food and beverage director at The Little Nell in Aspen. He has worn several hats during his career as cook, restaurant manager, professor, author and most recently, master sommelier. He’s currently spreading the summer cocktail gospel to the masses… I fell in love with aperitifs on a trip to Fruili, Italy…. Read more
Wondering what to pour and enjoy this summer? We’ve asked our wine team what they are drinking as the weather turns warm, and we’ll be sharing their answers with you this month on the blog. First up: Two great picks from Master Sommelier Sabato Sagaria. Txomin Etxaniz, Getariako Txakolina, Spain Don’t be afraid of all… Read more
