Eventually mentored by Paul Bottamer of The Mansion on Turtle Creek, and with experience at Red Sage, Zola, and Ventana Canyon, Sommelier Aaron Rodonis first spent 6 years in the band and bugle company of the Marine Corps before finding his path. A moment at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort with wine captain Gary Sullivan's pairings suddenly brought wine into focus for Aaron, who had previously ranked it as a fairly ordinary beverage. It seems fitting for Aaron's epiphany to have been during a tasting menu rather than just by sipping an outstanding glass of wine: his strength is clearly in enhancing the entire dining experience by accenting flavors and textural nuances. His pairings, which are thought-out down to the minute flavor-details of Chef Kevin Maxey's garnishes and sauces, work to develop flavors already present all the while gently steering the dish in his intended direction.