The Team

At the Lower Falls Wine Company, the only thing that can match the quality of our product, is the quality of our wine experts.

In order to maximize the pleasure from a given bottle, it helps to guided by a knowledgeable staff.  From daily staples to celebratory bottles,  from options at important gatherings to buy-and-hold collectibles, we have the experience to assist you in making a suitable purchase.

Our staff – with year of  employment:

Philip Minervino

Phil Minervino

Philip Minervino (1987)

After graduating from Georgetown University, Phil did an obligatory tour in lower Manhattan.  Two years later, he returned to Boston with a desire to apply his undergrad business training and revitalize the enterprise which his late Mother was not actively running.

Phil has a preference for so-called “heritage” wines.  ”In my view, the world of flavors is becoming more uniform  - the true thrills come from the artisanal masters and other risk-takers,”  he states.  Hence the need to tour the source – Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, Lebanon, New Zealand, Spain, and South Africa have all been explored.  While on hiatus in 1994, Phil worked at two California wineries, Diamond Creek Vineyards and Seghesio Family Vineyards.  In 2009, he graduated from the Northwest Culinary Academy in Vancouver, Canada.  Every summer, Phil enjoys spending time farming at Four Season Farm on Cape Rozier, Maine.

Phil devours mature Bordeaux, traditional-style nebbiolo and in summer months, drinks rose.  When dining, he prefers chef-owned haunts.  Personal motto:  First secure the restaurant booking, then book the flight.

Christopher Minervino

Chris Minervino

Christopher Minervino (1989)

In the fine wine business for over twenty years Chris has traveled and tasted extensively. He enjoys starting with the question; what is the application? This allows him to engage his clients in the process to arrive at the correct selection for the table or the cellar. Developing relationships with clients over time allows him to work collaboratively. When not focusing on all the details of being an owner/operator he simply enjoys talking about wine.

For Chris wine is all encompassing allowing him to study history, agriculture, geography, gastronomy and commerce. Wines greatest attribute is it remains a never ending exploration. Areas of focus include Burgundy, the Rhone, Piedmont as well as Malt Whisk(e)y.

Stephen Pope

Stephen Pope

Stephen Pope (1995)

Phil and Chris refer to Steve as ‘the other brother’. Stephen earned a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, complete with a stint in London. This led to a twenty plus year career in Boston, Martha’s Vineyard, and San Francisco before returning home and to our former neighbor The Pillar House. Having run every aspect of restaurants Steve viewed gaining a mastery of wine as the next step in his personal evolution.

A seasoned wine traveler and taster who has been praised nationally for his customer service skills, Stephen truly embodies the heart of the business.

All time favored bottles include Raveneau 1986 Chablis Foret & Soldera 1997 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva.

Josh Kelly

Josh Kelly

Josh Kelly (2006)

Sometimes cooks need a break from their work.  Josh toiled in the restaurant industry for over a decade eventually working the line at the highly acclaimed Ten Tables.  His love of food led him to explore the culture of wine.  Josh studied in the Boston University wine program and eventually decided to pursue wine professionally.  With a boundless thirst  for knowledge, Josh relishes extracting information and assorted minutia from the many visiting winemakers who frequent Lower Falls.

After all this talk and dissection of food and wine, a palate cleanser is often  in order.  Josh has created a strong local following for his innovative selection of Craft and Belgian beers.

Josh Gainey

josh_gainey

Josh Gainey (2007)

A veteran of retail, Josh joined Lower Falls in 2007. Quickly catching wine fever he has developed a thirst for knowledge and a drive to provide exemplary customer service.  Josh’s family is deeply involved in the restaurant business and he enjoys marrying food and wine.  Josh has a great grasp of flavor and communicates well with his clients. Additionally, he in an integral part of our growth in craft beers.

Josh has a pair of lofty wine memories, Ferret 2004 Pouilly-Fuisse Siecles & Gaja Sori Tilden 2005.


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