There’s a Wine for Everyone in Chris Hunter’s World

Sommelier Chris Hunter of Vino Volo joins Ann Delisi and Chef James Rigato to talk about trying out new varieties of wine, getting into the business at an early age and comparing wine to musicians.


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Most people don’t have refined pallets for wine … yet. That’s where Chris Hunter of Vino Volo at Detroit Metro Airport comes in.

Hunter was introduced to wine at an early age by his father, who was also in the wine business.

After years of training, including getting his Court of Master Sommeliers Certification, he is now one of the premier sommeliers in metro Detroit.

“It’s always been a club, of a certain kind of people. But let’s break these barriers down.” — Chris Hunter, Vino Volo

Through his work at Vino Volo and leading private tastings, Hunter enjoys bringing people together over wine, no matter how much experience they have tasting them.

His goal is to make the world of wine more approachable and encourage people to expand their horizons to try new varieties.

“It’s always been a club, of a certain kind of people. But let’s break these barriers down.”

And that’s exactly what Hunter does at his wine tastings. One way he does that is by comparing wine to musicians. For Diana Ross, it’s Vacqueyras. For Tupac Shakur, it’s Nickel & Nickel.

Though getting into wine can seem overwhelming, Hunter recommends starting simple and choosing a region that you’re familiar with to start. After that, you’ll be well on your way to developing your palate and appreciating new wines.

In this episode: 
  • Getting into the wine business at an early age
  • Introducing people to new varieties of wine
  • Comparing wine to music
  • Getting the Court of Master Sommeliers Certification
  • The controversy over using screw caps instead of corks
  • His choice for the last glass of wine he would drink

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Author

  • David Leins
    David Leins is a Podcast Coordinator and Producer at WDET. He also oversees the StoryMakers program. When he isn't making radio and podcasts, David is probably on a hike somewhere marveling at the trees.