Exeter’s Vino e Vivo owner to join top wine sellers at Cab Camp in Paso Robles

Special to Seacoastonline
·2 min read

EXETER — Vino e Vivo’s owner and wine director Tony Callendrello is going to camp, but it’s not the kind of camp you might be imagining.

Callendrello is one of only 40 top wine buyers and leading sommeliers selected from around the country to attend the Paso Robles Cabernet and Bourdeaux Collective’s annual CAB camp. The immersive three-day experience takes place March 6-9 in Paso Robles, California.

From left, Vino e Vivo server Shannon Ward and owner Tony Callendrello get ready for dinner on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, in Exeter.
From left, Vino e Vivo server Shannon Ward and owner Tony Callendrello get ready for dinner on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, in Exeter.

The longtime Exeter resident is already extremely knowledgeable about wine, holding his Level 3 certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust as well as being a certified wine specialist and also passing the introductory sommelier exam from the Court of Master Sommeliers.

"We have been pouring Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Paso Robles for some time,” Callendrello said. “This camp will be a chance for me to tour the vineyards, learn about the climate and growing environment as well as meet the winemakers. In short, I'll be learning about what goes into the making of these wines."

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What is CAB Camp?

During the three-day experience, campers enjoy vineyard and winery tours, barrel sampling, panel discussions, tastings, along with lunches and dinners that showcase the hospitality and incredible wines of the region.

“Paso Robles wines are not nearly as well-known as those from Napa and Sonoma but there some excellent producers and wines,” Callendrello said. “The CAB Collective is doing a great job educating wine buyers and sommeliers. I’m looking forward to learning why these wines taste the way they do and to find some gems to share with our guests and wine club members."

Vino e Vivo is a wine bar and restaurant which opened in downtown Exeter in 2018. Callendrello is a lifelong wine enthusiast who opened Vino e Vivo as his retirement job with the desire to share his passion for wine with others. 

The Paso Robles CAB Collective was formed in 2012 and strives to promote the full potential of the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area. The region produces superior-quality, classic and age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon and red Bordeaux wines that are enjoyed worldwide. The nonprofit organization seeks to improve awareness regarding the distinctive attributes of Paso Robles Cabernet and red Bordeaux wines through events, education and initiatives.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Exeter NH's Vino e Vivo owner to join top wine sellers at Cab Camp