Master Sommelier Richard Betts has been providing Aspen with amazing wines for the past seven years. Born in Syracuse, Betts grew up in Arizona and graduated from Occidental College in Los Angeles with a degree in geology. Between his undergrad education and earning a masters from Northern Arizona University, Betts lived in Italy. It was in Florence that he was bit by the wine bug. Masters in hand, Betts decided to blow off law school and pursue a career in wine. In Tuscon, Betts joined the team at Janos restuarant, where he worked his way up from a cook to a sommelier. Lucky for Aspenites, in 2000, he took on the role as sommelier at Montagna at The Little Nell, where he now presides over a 20,000-bottle wine cellar. In 2003, he was awarded the highest distinctions afforded in the wine industry—Master Sommelier. He is one of only 56 U.S.-based Master Sommeliers and is one of nine in the world to have passed the examinations on his first try. On top of broadening Aspenites' wine palate on a daily basis, Betts also keeps busy producing his own product. During the Food & Wine Classic in 2004, Betts unveiled his very own wine label, Betts & Scholl (his partner is art collector Dennis Scholl), which has received enormous acclaim since being introduced. Thanks to Betts' warm smile and enthusiasm, locals and visitors alike are learning to live by Richard's favorite expression, "Wine is not a luxury it's a grocery."
What is Plum 98? It¹s a collection of 98 individuals (a nice, round number) who have etched a mark in the Aspen community with positive energy and vision. Be it in the realm of art, recreation or politics, we at Plum want to recognize these local stars for their encouragement and inspiration. To meet more Plum 98ers, click HERE.
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Day 2: Master Sommelier Richard Betts gives us advice on what should be your drink of choice for Saturday of the Classic.
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