Liza Zimmerman is an accomplished wine writer and educator who has covered the wine and spirits industry for more than 15 years. Her diverse background and broad knowledge of wine allow her to connect with people of all levels and customize wine experiences for them.

Her approach is fresh, accessible and down to earth and tailored for business gatherings. She makes wine the entertainment for the evening and uses it as a tool to foster networking and facilitate conducting business.

She is one of a limited number of career journalists in the field of wine education and entertainment; and brings an unbiased, passionate and comprehensible approach to the world of wine.

She has visited every major wine producing region in the world and is one of approximately 100 people in the U.S. to have completed the rigorous three-year Wine & Spirits Education Trust Diploma course. She also has the perspective of having worked in the wine industry as a marketer, importer, distributor and consultant to restaurants and publicists.

If you are interested in working with me, read more

For a comprehensive look at Liza, her background and services, click here to print out her press kit

Please take a look at my SF Examiner.com column and my Facebook page.

Take a peek at my recent value wine segment on local ABC program View from the Bay!

I will also speak on A Matter of Taste, a great local radio station, on Sunday the 11th of Jan.

Hopefully you tuned into Dining Around with Gene Burns to hear me discuss the delicious eggplant, piles of yogurt and great local wines I enjoyed last week in Istanbul. A journalist recently asked if Istanbul is the next Paris. My response is not only is it more beautiful and affordable, but the food is consistently better (without the attitude).

Here’s the segment live in all its foodie deliciousness.

So here’s a cheat sheet on some delicious things to try when visiting Istanbul or Turkish restaurants all over the world.

High-end Istanbul:

Kempinski Palace has views to die for, outstanding meze, fresh fish and a great baklava-focused dessert bar. Mikla on top of the Marmara Pera hotel has amazing views.

Affordable Istanbul:

Kivais a great new meze house in the hip Beyoglu neighborhood. Ciyahas fantastic meze and meats on the Asian side of the city. The street it is on has amazing food and spice shopping.

Few Turkish wines are seen in the States and it is a shame.  Indigenous grapes like Kalecik Karasi (a spicy red) and Narince (a beautiful, mineral white that works beautifully with seafood). The country is home to hundreds of local varietals and also produces wines from international varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Also don’t miss the chance to try raki, a local anise-flavored spirit on its own with snacks or in a cocktail (the Kempinski made a great one with melon).

Places to try Turkish food and wine in SF:

Dunyafor great meze and lamb on Polk.

Troyain the Inner Richmond for meze and more complicated dishes.

Bursain West Portal for divine meze.

Join me as I follow drinks trends in our city and around the globe though my exclusive wine and spirits column in the San Francisco Examiner.com. Please subscribe, I welcome your comments and feedback. Here’s the latest from the drinks front:

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I am bilingual, bi-cultural and passionate about almost everything Italian and have been since I lived, went to school and worked in Florence and Rome many years ago (and still consult with many Italians today). As an honorary Italian who never managed to get a passport or the nice Italian last name, I invite you to join me on my exploration of Italian wine and related treats.

Liza's Italian Wine Examiner Column

• Does What Grows Together Go Together?
• Italian Wine Trends to Watch
• Ten Italian Wines you Need to Experience in 2012
• Italian Varietals from Lake County
• The Perfect White for the 4th of July
• Does Everyone Need to Update the Negroni?
• The Heart of Sicily
• Rowdy Italian Roses for Summer
• Cocktails with great Italian names
• Fernet on Tap