Robert was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Robert’s father was an immigrant from the Northern Italian province of Friuli Venezia Giulia, home to some of Rob’s favourite vineyards. His mother is a third-generation Canadian of Scottish descent, not many vineyards there, but plenty of golf courses- Robert’s favourite past time.
Robert’s love of wine was nurtured at a very young age. As a young boy, he remembers making wine at home in the garage, an annual tradition with his father and uncles. On special occasions, Robert and his brothers would sample the fruits of their labor with a splash of ginger ale at the dinner table. A right of passage for many of Italian descent.
Years later, Robert found himself working at a golf club where he was introduced to the game and more importantly into the hospitality sector and it was there and then that his passion for the hospitality industry was born and eventually led to a full scholarship to pursue a degree in hospitality and tourism.
In the years that followed, Robert continued to hone his hospitality skills at some of the finest hotels, restaurants, and private golf clubs across North America and Northern Italy. While in Italy, he studied with the Italian Association of Sommeliers. His love of wine, by this time, firmly established itself, as his true passion.
By the late 1990s, Robert’s passion, knowledge, and experience led him to a full-time career in the wine industry. He worked at several wine agencies representing wineries across the globe. But that wasn’t enough for Robert. By 2004, in true entrepreneurial fashion, he launched his own wine importing agency. Over time, he grew the business into one of the largest wine importing agencies in Canada representing some of the most iconic wineries such as GAJA, Braida, Siro Pacenti, Valdicava, Zymé, Feudi di San Gregorio, Merry Edwards, and numerous others.
In 2017, Robert decided to challenge himself to do more and give more with a new endeavor. He sold his shares and branched out on his own to launch Tomé Group of Brands, his own wine brand making wines from Washington State and Italy. Something Robert has been contemplating his entire life.
This Cabernet shows black cherry, cassis, and new leather. Full bodied, with fine tannins and notes of dark cherry, blackberry, dark currants and baking spices. An elegant old world style with a nod to the new world.
”Rich, Ripe…. loaded with flavor and finesse. A wonderful Cabernet here, fantastic energy in the Bottle. Best Served With All Barbecued Foods or short ribs, rack of, or roasted lamb or burgers.”
– Jim Lufty, Fine Wine Source