With wine and hope, anything is possible
Alycia at Shinn Estate Vineyards, Mattituck, NY
Alycia Boncimino (nee Sandmeier) became fascinated by wine at a very young age. While on a family trip to Long Island’s North Fork, there was something about nature’s influence on the conversation that she was mesmerized by. At the ripe age of 12, she designed a crude blueprint for the winery entrance to “Sandmeier Vineyards”, which would be photocopied and hanged on every single family member’s refrigerator for years to come.
Fast-forwarding some time, Alycia found herself studying hospitality, and Restaurant Management at Johnson & Whales University in Providence, RI. It was here that the long-suppressed fantasies of Sandmeier Vineyards re-emerged. Taking every beverage course that the university offered (including WSET certification classes), she started on what she thought was the path to becoming Sommelier.
Back on the North Fork of Long Island (where this entire fantastical dream began), Alycia landed her first job in the world of wine. Under the guidance of Barbara Shinn and David Page of Shinn Estate Vineyards (now ‘Rose Hill’), along with winemaker Patrick Castera, Alycia learned about the coalescence between the winery and vineyard, as well as the significance of organic and Biodynamic viticulture. On the operations side, while also delivering the important message of sustainability on the farm, hospitality was the key driver. After a couple months, Alycia was tasked with selling and distributing wine throughout Long Island and New York City, while also continuing her education through the International Wine Center in Manhattan.
Upon re-locating to Connecticut with Michael, Alycia veered toward a wine & spirits career in wholesale distribution, and has now been a leading contributor at Slocum & Sons Fine Wine & Spirits for nearly a decade. The passion, drive, and eagerness to help demystify and hearten the vast world of libations for the general public are the key factors in helping to create and evolve what is now Connecticut River Wine & Spirits.
Michael enjoying Port Wine at Shelburne Farms, Shelburne, VT
A long island native, Michael Boncimino developed a passion for sharing musical experiences at an early age. He continued this by studying at The Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY in order to become an educator. Through his music career, he has participated in several performances as a classical and jazz trombonist and conductor. In his spare time, he is a board member for the Plainville Wind Ensemble, and is the manager for Center Stage Jazz, an 18-piece swing band.
A dedicated educator, Michael has taught in the Plainville school system as an elementary band teacher since 2011. Last year, he was selected as the 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year at Linden Street Elementary School.
By mode of trying to impress Alycia in their early dating days, Michael started venturing out and tasting many different wines (the real gateway being Rosé– which is very impressive). Eventually Michael became more and more interested in the craft of cocktail making, and today his real attention is aimed at the diverse and growing world of spirits. He is deeply interested by the Natural Wine movement, with a particular affinity for Orange Wine.
One late evening in May, 2022, Alycia posed the question to Michael “hey, should we buy a wine shop?”, Michael simply responded “What?!.... sure.” And you know the rest of the story…