Taking us into spring is New York-based expert Luis Rivera, an advanced sommelier, Piedmont wine devotee, and firm believer that sandwiches are superior to chocolate. Luis found his passion for wine during his days at culinary school, where he started studying for the Court of Master Sommelier exams before he was legally able to drink. Alongside his studies, Luis has made a name for himself in the wine space with a resume that includes Corton, Del Posto, Carbone, and Scarpetta — some of New York’s favorite Italian restaurants. They all lead him to his role today as beverage director at Marta, a similarly cult-favorite neighborhood restaurant inside the Redbury Hotel in NYC. Currently, Luis is studying to take the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination.