Ep. 891 Lamar Covert | Voices

Welcome to Episode 891 Cynthia Chaplin interviews Lamar Covert, in this new installment of Voices, on the Italian Wine Podcast. More about today’s guest: As a partner at Blacoak Wine Club and Tasting Room, the mission is to provide a space to expose BIPOC-owned wine brands, while also educating novice consumers who are looking to expand their palate. 15 year nightlife and hospitality veteran, Lamar Covert obtained his Certified Sommelier certification by way of the National Wine School (NWS) via the Wine School of Philadelphia. Throughout his years of club promotion and special events, he acknowledged that fine wine was never marketed to his community. Lamar’s journey began upon witnessing for the first time, an African American man drinking red wine. After becoming an apprentice winemaker at Cellar Beast Winehouse in Andreas, PA, an old world style winery with a focus on minimal intervention, Lamar was reassured of his lifelong goal of winery ownership. Currently Lamar is the founder of CYL Hospitality Group, a catering and events management team, with their sights set on restaurant and hotel operations. If you want to learn more about today’s guests, you can by visiting: Website: www.blacoak.com Instagram: @mar_cyl @cylhospitalitygroup @blacoakwineclub Facebook: Lamar Covert Linkedin: Lamar Covert About today’s Host: Cynthia Chaplin is a Vinitaly International Academy certified Italian Wine Ambassador, a professional sommelier with Fondazione Italiana Sommelier, a member of Le Donne del Vino, and a Professor of Italian wine and culture. Born in the USA, Cynthia moved to Europe in 1990 where she has lived in Spain, Belgium, England and Italy. She chose to center her career in Rome and immerse herself in the Italian wine sector, which is her passion. She has taught university students and expats, works with embassies, corporations and private clients, creating and presenting tastings, events, seminars and in-depth courses. Cynthia is a wine writer, translator, and a judge at international wine and sake competitions. She consults with restaurants and enotecas assisting in the development of comprehensive wine lists and excellent food pairings, as well as advising private clients who want to develop a comprehensive Italian wine collection. She lives with her British photographer husband on the shore of Lake Bracciano, north of Rome, where they share their beautiful garden with one massive grapevine, two border collies and an arrogant diva cat. If you want to learn more about today’s host, you can by visiting: Facebook: Italian Wines in English Instagram: kiss_my_glassx Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-chaplin-190647179/ Let's keep in touch! Follow us on our social media channels: Instagram @italianwinepodcast Facebook @ItalianWinePodcast Twitter @itawinepodcast Tiktok @MammaJumboShrimp LinkedIn @ItalianWinePodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!