Alexandra Bottone, Sommelier - Ninety Acres at Natirar

Growing wine regions have one thing in common: synchronicity with the best of the local restaurant and retail scene. Tuned-in sommeliers, chefs, shop owners and staff are often the most credible sources of up-to-the-minute input on wines from near and far. Alexandra Bottone is on the front line as sommelier at one of the state’s top fine-dining destinations, Ninety Acres, in Peapack.

The Clinton Township resident became interested in wine while working in front-of-the-house roles. Stints at the Pluckemin Inn and Cree Wine Company led to her current role as a floor sommelier. “I found I had a passion for wine and kept asking more questions and learning more.” It was, however, a revelation at one restaurant that sealed her interest. “We were taught that not everyone is born with a great palate, and anyone can learn. It changed my perception about what I was capable doing.”

Bottone’s interest in hiking led her into foraging, which she also credits as making her a better wine professional. She mentally logs the flavors of the wild food she sees along the trail, much of it appearing on menus of better restaurants like Ninety Acres. She finds the kitchen staff often looks to her when discussing native, local, and foraged items because of her knowledge. “Foraging has made me very in tune to seasonality. As a sommelier, I am also constantly logging flavors of different wines. Since the menu at our restaurant is so seasonal, my job is to know how wine and food all comes together.”

Ninety Acres at Natirar
200 Natirar Drive, Peapack
natirar.com