Roger Scommegna was working a lot and flying often. The Chicago native had founded a website. It was the ’90s and the Internet was booming. Business was good. “I always took a copy of Wine Spectator with me to read on the plane,” says Scommegna. “Whatever city I visited, I would use the magazine to [find] all the wine restaurants highlighted in that town. “Then I sold my website and suddenly had monopoly money. So I decided to go to Napa and try and live the Wine Spectator dream.”
This article was originally published on May 14, 2025. You can read the full-length version for free here.
Member-Only Content
Premium SubscriptionJoin today and get immediate access to this article, and to our entire database of more than 450,000 wine ratings. It only takes moments—but it will help you drink better all year long.
Already a member? Sign In
Try Winespectator.com Free for 30 Days!
Full access to our database of more than 425,000 wine ratings
Early access to reviews on our editors' favorite just-rated wines
Wine and food pairing tool,
chefs' pairing recommendations
Best value wines and winery intel
Subscribe today
