Rafael

Rafael was born and raised in South Pasadena. The youngest of 5 children, wine was the last thing on his mind until he worked at The Raymond Restaurant. Here, under the guidance of the Sommelier at the time Steve Krikul, Rafael discovered a passion for the fine dining experience, food, and wine. Newly inspired, he began to seek out everything Champagne had to offer. This led him to Wine Expo, which is a retail shop with one of the largest selections of Champagnes outside of France, and then its sister store 55° Wine. Rafael's never ending thirst for Champagne ultimately led him to POP. A year and a half after POP opened it's doors, he was drawn away to work for well known wine critic James Suckling formerly of Wine Spectator. Rafael worked closely with him to launch his new endeavor, and in March 2011, returned to POP. newline Rafael believes that the Champagnes made by independent growers are the ones that represent 'le Champagne' the best. Some of his favorite Champagnes are 2006 Cedric Bouchard 'Le Inflorescence', 1978 Drappier 'Carte d'Or', 2004 Cristal Rose, Laherte Freres 'Le Clos', Bereche et Fils 'Tradition', just to name a few. Rafael is happy to be back at POP, and eager to continue bringing some of the finest Champagnes to his hometown. newline (Photo: Rafael with Patrick Le Brun Chairman of the Comité interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne (CIVC) and President of Syndicat General des Vignerons (SGV).)