Today I am joined by Shawn Valbrun who came down from Brooklyn, New York. We met about a year ago at a wine event and ever since then have stayed connected. He is currently launching his wine brand this year called Elevyn Cellars. I decided to bring Shawn to one of my recent favorite greek restaurants in Ft. Lauderdale, FL called Theo's Estiatorio. We go into detail in regards to his wine brand, music career, gaming career, food, wine and much more.

As we wine and dine at the restaurant, we end up ordering some delicious food and a 2022 Boutari Assyrtiko. Boutari is considered one of the top leading Greek wine companies and is located in Megalochori, Santorini (southwestern part of Santorini). Assyrtiko is an indigenous grape varietal to this area and it is one of my faves because it tends to be highly acidic with strong citrus notes coming through giving us some nice minerality and texture.

Tune in now as we pair this delicious bottle with some dips, sardines and fried calamari and dive deep into conversation.

1:50 - Introducing today's wine, Assyrtiko

2:45 - Tasting notes with Shawn

3:22 - Pairing highly acidic wines with oily foods

4:03 - Elevyn Cellars

6:30 - Shawn doesn't really eat food

8:40 - First five varietals

11:11 - Fashion is a passion

11:25 - Target audience for his wine brand

12:45 - You don't know what you don't know

14:00 - Safe space for everybody

17:00 - Brand launch 2026

17:40 - Shawn's music career

19:05 - Olives are a no for us

20:15 - Gaming career

28:30 - Trying mediterranean dips with the wine

33:33 - On & off camera

34:22 - Shawn continues to try dishes

37:50 - Man of many hats

38:40 - Sardines and calamari

40:45 - Meeting at Avaline

41:51 - Ties to France, left bank Margaux

43:15 - One of his introductions to wine

46:30 - James Suckling event

47:50 - Shawn's nugget of knowledge for the people

Today's wine: 2022 Boutari Assyrtiko

Restaurant: Theos Estiatorio 1826 E Sunrise Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Connect with Shawn on IG, TikTok & YouTube @foundshawn

Connect with me on IG @sipandgrowpodcast

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