Craig Collins
South Central Regional Sales Manager
Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Ohio, Kentucky
Cell Phone: (512)483-1539
Email: craig@dallaterra.com
Master Sommelier Craig Collins has been passionately exploring his love for wine since the day he turned 21 and began working at a local winery. His advancement continued after graduating from Texas A&M University and working for Glazers Fine Wine Division. It was through this appointment that Craig was introduced to the Court of Master Sommeliers and refined the professional skills and industry knowledge that would shape his career.
Craig moved to Austin, Tx in 2005 to manage Prestige Wine Cellars where he was responsible for the sales and marketing of over 300 boutique wineries. In 2011 he followed his love for all things Italian and began working for Dalla Terra as their South Central Regional Manager.
He currently lives in Austin, Texas with his wife April. Craig is also a board member of Texsom, an organization which is responsible for top-notch education of Texas wine professionals. In 2011, Craig became one of only 180 people in the world to have passed the esteemed Master Sommelier Exam.
YOUR SIGN: Capricorn
FAVE MUSIC ARTIST: Whatever is playing on my iPod at the moment
FAVORITE COMPOSER: Lachlan Patterson , one of the best composers of Italian food I know
FAVORITE PASTA: Chiatarra
ITALIAN DESIGNER YOU MOST CLOSELY ASSOCIATE YOURSELF WITH: Valentino, one of my wifes favorites
MOTOGUZZI, VESPA, FIAT 500, FERRARI, DUCATI OR COLNAGO?
Fiat 500
FAVORITE ITALIAN SAYING:
Riempi il bicchiere quando è vuoto, vuota il bicchiere quando è pieno, non lo lasciar mai vuoto, non lo lasciar mai pieno
ITALIAN PARKING STORY:
Driving a Fiat 500 down a sidewalk in Grado, Italy trying to find a parking garage
LONGEST MEAL:
Valentines 2009. Brunch turned into lunch and then dinner., with plenty of wine and friends.
FAVORITE COFFEE - ILLY or ILLY? a shot of espresso after a great meal
FAVORITE ITALIAN DIRECTOR: Francis Ford Coppola, does he count?
MOST PERSONALLY INFLUENTIAL WINES EXPERIENCED:
Any wine that speaks to what it is and where it comes from, 2002 Pierre Peters Les Chettilons is a great example of this.