My voracious appetite for knowledge has led me to incredible journeys as well as halted me in my tracks. Through all I have done the one thing that connects me to the earth, to my work and to others is information. Whether writing for an agricultural magazine, seeking answers to age-old questions about ethnic issues in my family’s homeland in the Republic of Macedonia or selecting the perfect harvest date for my venture with Casa Dumetz Wines, it is all about having the proper understanding for the responsibilities at hand. The Wine Down is no different, it is another endeavor in the everlasting search for greater knowledge in an intimate, jolly and unscripted environment. My farming and cultural work can be found at www.malibugrange.com. My winemaking endeavors can be found at www.casadumetzwines.com. My journalism work can be found at www.sonjamagdevski.com. Join us for some fun.

Brandon Bartlett is a Senior Sales / Channel Manager at Beam. Beam owns Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Sauza Hornitos, Effen vodka, Knob Creek, Cruzan rum, and many others. Brandon has been in the hotel, restaurant, bar, nightclub, cigar, wine, and liquor business for 25 years. Before Beam he co owned and ran Joya a popular nightclub in Beverly Hills. Brandon is a registered Sommelier with The Court of Master Sommeliers, has made his own wine, and has sat on the Bon Appétit Magazine Tasting Panel. Currently as a hobby Brandon co owns the Triunfo Vintners wine label and co hosts The Wine Down on thelip.tv. Other than his job Brandon enjoys golf, wine and watch collecting, travel, and his over/under Beretta shotgun. “When I was a kid my mom used to drink jug wine out of a Dixie Riddle cup with an ice cube and I would sneak sips. The rest is history.”