Divino Tasting Room, Eatery & Lounge

05/28/2026

05/22/2026

Here's a recap of a week in my Somm-Called Life! 🍷✨

Last week was packed with incredible wines, unforgettable tastings, and meaningful connections across the wine world.

🇦🇷 Sip of South America 2026 in Lower Manhattan, presented by Wine Enthusiast, brought together standout wines from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay. From discovering exciting producers to feeling the energy and pride of South America—especially with World Cup excitement building—it was a celebration of wine regions making major waves in the U.S. market.

🇫🇷 Tour of Bordeaux in New York City, presented by Wine.com, delivered an amazing lineup of 50 wines from fifteen châteaux and vintages spanning 2005–2022. Exploring Bordeaux commune by commune—along with Champagne by Laurent-Perrier () and Siret (), and caviar bites by Haute Caviar ()—made for an unforgettable tasting experience.

🥂 The Rising Tide Distributors Grand Opening on Long Island was an incredible celebration of a new beginning. I was proud to represent LoveLee Wine while connecting with producers, influencers, and fellow beverage professionals. Congratulations to Nicole Lyons and the Rising Tide team on an exciting first voyage!

A Sommelier’s journey goes far beyond pouring wine. It's about continually exploring wine regions, vintages and producers so we can create memorable experiences and help connect people with the perfect bottle.

Cheers!!

05/05/2026

I'm still riding the high from an incredible weekend bartending at the 4th Annual Newark LGBTQ Film Festival 🎬✨!!

From the red carpet moments to the energy inside the venue, this weekend was full of love, creativity, and community. It was an absolute joy to serve, connect, and celebrate alongside so many talented filmmakers, organizers, volunteers and guests who showed up and showed out.

Huge thank you to the amazing team behind the festival for creating such a vibrant and meaningful space. Your work truly matters.

If you’re looking for ways to support, tap into the Newark LGBTQ Center and continue pouring into the local LGBTQ+ community—not just during the festival, but all year long. Visibility, support, and safe spaces make all the difference.

💖 Donate + Learn more + get involved: https://www.newarklgbtqcenter.org/

Cheers to visibility, representation, storytelling, and community 🥂🏳️‍🌈

04/15/2026

I'm very grateful for two meaningful opportunities that I recently had to bring people together through wine, community, and purpose 🍷✨

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us on April 9th for the “Raise a Glass for Student Success” Wine Tasting Fundraiser in West Caldwell at Essex County College. Your presence, energy, and support helped make the evening truly impactful, and I’m honored to have been part of such a meaningful event.

I would also like to recognize the incredible event planning committee, the college’s Board of Trustees, generous sponsors, and distinguished honorees of the Laptops4Learning initiative. Your leadership and commitment to student success made this event both purposeful and inspiring.

A special shoutout to my exceptional wine service team—your professionalism, attention to detail, and hospitality helped create a polished and memorable experience for our guests. I truly appreciate the dedication you brought to the event.

I also want to extend my appreciation to Middlesex College for hosting me in March for my Women & Wine Discovery Class in celebration of Women’s History Month. It was a pleasure to share stories, explore wines, and highlight the contributions of women in the wine industry with such an engaged and inspiring group.

A very special thank you to Chef Pearl Thompson for collaborating with me and preparing the thoughtfully curated food pairings that elevated the entire experience. Your culinary artistry added an extra layer of excellence to the course.

Both events were incredible opportunities to connect, collaborate, and continue building community through wine—and I’m deeply thankful for every conversation, every glass raised, and every new connection made.

If you’re looking to elevate your next event, I offer curated wine tasting experiences and professional bartending services tailored to your audience and occasion.

📩 Email: [email protected]
📱 Phone: (917) 837-3775
💬 You can also reach me directly via my inbox

Let’s create something memorable together.

Cheers to more experiences, more connections, and more wine 🍷

04/03/2026

Last Call to Raise Your Glass 🍷✨

We’re just days away from Raise Your Glass for Student Success: Laptops4Learning Fundraiser—and tickets are still available!

Join me for an evening of wine, community, and purpose, where I’ll be leading a tasting of curated wines designed to inspire connection and discovery.

This isn’t just a wine tasting—it’s an opportunity to support students by helping provide the technology they need to succeed.

📅 Thursday, April 9, 2026
🕔 5:00 PM
📍 Essex County College – West Essex Campus
730 Bloomfield Avenue, West Caldwell, NJ
🎟️ $150

🎫 Secure your seat now: essex.edu/L4L
(Link in bio))

Limited tickets remain—once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Let’s raise a glass to impact, opportunity, and student success!

03/26/2026

I’m honored to be part of an evening where wine, community, and purpose come together. 🍷✨

Join me at Raise Your Glass for Student Success: Laptops4Learning Fundraiser at Essex County College, where I’ll be leading a guided tasting of a curated wine selection—designed to inspire connection, conversation, and discovery.

This event supports an incredible mission: providing students with the technology they need to succeed.

📅 Thursday, April 9, 2026
🕔 5:00 PM
📍 Essex County College – West Essex Campus
730 Bloomfield Avenue, West Caldwell, NJ

🎫 Purchase tickets: essex.edu/L4L or scan the QR code on the flyer

🤝 Sponsorship opportunities are available for
organizations looking to make a meaningful community impact.

Let’s raise a glass to opportunity, access, and student success!

Laptops4Learning CommunityImpact

03/06/2026

🍷 Women & Wine Experiences This March

Join me this month for two special tasting experiences celebrating women who shape the world of wine. Whether you're new to wine or looking to deepen your knowledge, these guided tastings are designed to be welcoming, educational, and fun.

✨ Sat, March 7 | 3–5 PM
Celebrating Women & Wine
📍 Artfront Galleries – Newark, NJ
💲 $50
Payment: CashApp $DivinoTastingRoom

✨ March 12 & March 19 | 5:30–8:30 PM
Women & Wine: Discovery & Appreciation
📍 Middlesex College – Crabiel Hall Culinary Lab
2600 Woodbridge Avenue, Edison, NJ

A two-session course exploring wine tasting fundamentals, women in the wine industry, and food & wine pairing.

🎟 Register via the QR code on the flyer or through the Middlesex College WDLL catalog:

middlesexcollege.edu/lifelong-learning

Both experiences are led by Sommelier Burley Tuggle of the Divino Tasting Room.

🍷 No prior wine knowledge required
🍷 Must be 21+ to attend
🍷 Come ready to sip, learn, and connect
Seats are limited — reserve your spot soon!

DivinoTastingRoom

03/01/2026

So honored to represent LoveLee Wine at the 15th Anniversary of Black Vines® “Toast to Black Wineries & Diverse Art” in Berkeley, CA this weekend!🍷✨

Founded by visionary Fern A. Stroud, this annual celebration uplifts Black-owned wineries and vintners, diverse artists, and the beauty of Black History and culture within the wine community.

Grateful to pour, connect, and celebrate Black excellence in such an inspiring space. 🥂

02/19/2026

🍷✨ Women & Wine: Discovery & Appreciation ✨🍷

I’m excited to invite you to a new two-session course I’ll be teaching at Middlesex College for Women's History Month!

This experience blends structured wine education with thoughtful dialogue — celebrating the women who shape the global wine industry while building your tasting confidence and knowledge.

📅 March 12 & March 19, 2026
⏰ 5:30 – 8:30 PM
📍 Crabiel Hall Culinary Lab
(21+)

Over two evenings, we’ll explore:
• Women pioneers, producers & educators
• Tasting techniques & professional terminology
• Major grapes & regions influenced by women leaders
• Equity & representation in wine
• Foundational food & wine pairing principles

Register through Workforce Development & Lifelong Learning at Middlesex College:

middlesexcollege.edu/lifelong-learning

For questions, contact [email protected] | 732.906.2556

Seats are limited — reserve yours today.

02/14/2026

❤️ Happy Valentine's Day! ❤️

Tomorrow at Artfront Galleries — Black Love Wine Tasting

Join us from 5–7 PM for an evening of connection, culture, and beautifully crafted wines from Black winemakers and Black‑owned wineries (here is our wine-up).

Hosted by Sommelier Burley Tuggle of Divino Tasting Room.

Sip, learn, celebrate, and experience the joy of Black love through wine 🍷.

✨ Tickets: $45 | 2 for $75 ✨(Link in Bio)