Tiffany Tobey, owner of Tiffany's Toast, is an accomplished sommelier and Alto Adige Trade Ambassador for the Sommeliers Choice Awards. Recently joining The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Texas as Wine Director in February 2024, Tobey has built a strong reputation for her expertise in Italian wines, particularly those from Alto Adige.She is passionate about educating fellow sommeliers and wine professionals. In this interview with the Sommeliers Choice Awards, Tobey shares her journey, her role in promoting Alto Adige wines, and her insights on the future of this remarkable wine region.

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Can you share a bit about your background and how you became involved with the Alto Adige wine region? What drew you to this unique wine-producing area?

I’m a Texas-based sommelier, and after college, I moved to Dallas to immerse myself in its vibrant restaurant scene. I began my career in steakhouses but naturally gravitated toward Italian cuisine, influenced by my Irish-Italian heritage—a unique combination, to say the least! I’ve had the privilege of studying in Italy four times early in my career, and from the moment I set foot there, I felt an undeniable connection to the land. When I was introduced to the wines of Northern Italy, particularly the Alto Adige region, I was captivated by its rich history and indigenous grape varieties. Through the incredible people I met during my studies and the guidance of my mentors, I was encouraged to apply for a role with the Consorzio alongside other talented sommeliers across the U.S. I was honored to be one of just three selected to serve as an ambassador for Alto Adige wines. Today, I have the opportunity to educate and share my passion for this remarkable region with fellow sommeliers and beverage professionals.

Also read: Top Italian Wine at Sommeliers Choice Awards 2025 to Receive Exclusive U.S. Importer Consultation

What makes Alto Adige stand out from other wine regions in Italy, and why should sommeliers and wine professionals pay attention to its wines?

Alto Adige stands out for many reasons—its unique climate, diverse soils, rich history, and the passionate people who call it home. The indigenous grape varieties grown here are distinct from those found in other regions of Italy, resulting in wines that are truly unique. While the region’s beauty is beyond words, I’ll simply say it’s breathtaking. What truly sets Alto Adige apart, however, is the convergence of two iconic mountain ranges: the Dolomites and the Swiss Alps. This dramatic landscape, paired with the exceptional soils, slopes, lakes, and winds, creates the perfect conditions for producing wines that are nothing short of magical. Sommeliers and wine professionals should pay attention to Alto Adige wines because they offer a distinctive experience—one that’s deeply tied to the land and its unique terroir.

Image: Sommelier Tiffany Tobey

For those unfamiliar with Alto Adige wines, which varietals should they start with, and what food pairings would you recommend to highlight their qualities?

I highly recommend starting with a Rosé made from Lagrein. It’s fun, fruity, and incredibly versatile when it comes to food pairings. It’s a great choice for both novice wine drinkers, who will enjoy its easy drinkability, and more analytical tasters, who can appreciate the unique complexities and nuances of this grape. Another must-try is Schiava, a medium-bodied red indigenous to the region. This versatile wine can be enjoyed in a variety of styles, either chilled or at room temperature. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with almost anything—or nothing at all. Personally, whenever I enjoy Schiava, I think of Speck, a traditional dried, lightly smoked meat from the region, which makes for an exceptional pairing. 

Sustainability is becoming a major focus in the wine industry. How is Alto Adige leading the way in sustainable viticulture and winemaking practices?

Sustainability has long been at the heart of Alto Adige’s viticulture. Many of the region’s growers and cooperatives have historically embraced sustainable farming methods, making environmental stewardship a natural part of the region’s winemaking culture. Producers are actively working to reduce their environmental impact by banning synthetic weed killers, minimizing their CO2 footprint, and promoting biodiversity within the vineyards. From insects and sheep to owls, these initiatives help create a balanced and harmonious ecosystem. Several producers in the region are not only leaders in sustainability but also champions of biodynamic practices, setting an inspiring example for the entire wine industry.

As the USA market ambassador, what strategies are you implementing to increase awareness and demand for Alto Adige wines in the American market?

I focus on educating industry professionals across Texas by teaching several classes each year. I offer a variety of regional themes, allowing participants to dive deep into specific aspects of Alto Adige’s wine culture. While my wine programs are generally Italian-focused, I make a conscious effort to highlight lesser-known regions like Alto Adige by featuring them prominently on my lists and offering them by the glass. This not only exposes guests to the region but also encourages them to experience its wines in a more accessible way.

Also read: Carlo De Biasi: Leading Innovation in Sustainable Winemaking

What are some of the biggest challenges you face in promoting Alto Adige wines in the competitive U.S. wine market, and how do you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I face in promoting Alto Adige wines in the U.S. market is the competition from larger, more established wine regions. Many consumers and professionals tend to gravitate toward familiar names, which makes it difficult to get people to step outside their comfort zones. Alto Adige, being a lesser-known region, doesn’t always receive the exposure it deserves. However, I take great joy in the opportunity to introduce people to these wines for the first time. Every time someone experiences Alto Adige and discovers its unique qualities, it’s a rewarding moment that helps build awareness and appreciation for this exceptional region.

Image: Alto Adige Trade Ambassador Tiffany Tobey

How do you see the trends in the U.S. wine industry aligning with what Alto Adige has to offer? Are there specific trends that favor the region’s wines?

I see a pragmatic shift in the U.S. wine industry, especially among younger consumers, who are increasingly drawn to wines with lower alcohol content, lighter finishes, and versatility in food pairings. Alto Adige wines align perfectly with these preferences, offering wines that are not only accessible but also adaptable to a wide range of flavors. While price is often a consideration in the market, the wines of Alto Adige deliver exceptional quality at a “bang for the buck” price point. These wines perform beautifully right upon opening and have the potential to age gracefully for years, making them an attractive option for both new and seasoned wine drinkers.

As the Alto Adige Wine region ambassador for the Sommeliers Choice Awards, what are your goals in this role, and how do you plan to engage with sommeliers and industry professionals?

As the Alto Adige Wine region ambassador for the Sommeliers Choice Awards, I’m thrilled to share the wines of this incredible region with anyone—especially my fellow sommeliers and industry professionals! My goal is to engage with my peers in a way that not only educates them about the exceptional wines of Alto Adige but also sparks a deeper interest in the rich history, culture, and the unique people and grapes that make this region so special. I want them to leave with a greater appreciation for Alto Adige and be inspired to explore more about what it has to offer.

What advice would you give to sommeliers and buyers looking to incorporate Alto Adige wines into their wine lists? What should they consider when selecting wines from this region?

My advice to sommeliers and buyers looking to incorporate Alto Adige wines into their wine lists is to rely on their distribution reps and suppliers. Request tastings of the producers they carry, take detailed notes, and compare the wines to fully appreciate their unique qualities. When selecting wines, it’s crucial to consider factors like supply, quality, and reliability, especially when pairing wines with food. Alto Adige wines excel in versatility, and choosing wines that complement a variety of dishes can help elevate the overall dining experience.

Image: Tiffany Tobey, Wine Director at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Texas

What role do you think competitions like the Sommeliers Choice Awards play in helping Alto Adige wines gain recognition and credibility among sommeliers and trade professionals?

Competitions like the Sommeliers Choice Awards play a vital role in helping Alto Adige wines gain recognition and credibility among sommeliers and trade professionals. As a judge in many competitions, both domestic and international, I can confidently say that the blind judging format is one of the most honest and effective ways to assess a wine’s quality. It ensures that the wine stands on its own merits, free from bias. This level of transparency is essential for building trust in the wines of Alto Adige. I’m excited to see how these wines continue to evolve and gain recognition in the years to come.

What qualities do you believe make a wine stand out in a competition like the Sommeliers Choice Awards, and how do Alto Adige wines align with these criteria?

In my opinion, the ability of a wine to stand on its own is the greatest testament to its quality. Throughout my journey with the Court of Master Sommeliers and the various sommelier certifications I’ve achieved, blind tasting was the most intense challenge I worked hard to perfect. When I encounter a wine that is approachable, versatile in food pairings, and memorable, I feel a sense of comfort. Alto Adige wines embody these qualities—they are crowd-pleasers, affordable, complex, exciting, and, above all, delicious. I believe these attributes will resonate with all the judges tasting wines from this region in blind competitions.

How do you plan to leverage the visibility from the Sommeliers Choice Awards to further promote Alto Adige wines to on-trade professionals and consumers?

I believe that receiving an award from the Sommeliers Choice Awards will be a true testament to the quality of Alto Adige wines, but I also know that social media will play a significant role in spreading the word. With our combined efforts, we’ll be able to reach a wider audience and raise awareness. Stay tuned! You can follow me at @tiffanystoast and @tiffanytobey for updates.

Header image sourced from Tiffany Tobey

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