Publicist Brings Wines to Lunch Meeting

Wine writer and publicist discuss refreshing acidity and food pairing of rosé and Moscato

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Wine writer Randy Fuller met with longtime publicist Sam Dependahl for a long-overdue lunch, during which Dependahl brought a box of wine to taste. The pair sampled a Cascinetta Vietti Moscato d'Asti and a Crossbarn Sonoma County Pinot Noir Rosé, discussing the wines' refreshing acidity and how they pair well with a variety of foods.

Why it matters

The article highlights the mutually beneficial relationship between wine writers and publicists, who work together to promote wine and wine-related events. It also showcases how wine can be enjoyed in a casual, conversational setting over a meal.

The details

During the lunch at Cooks County in Culver City, Dependahl brought a box of wine under his arm. The pair settled on tasting a Cascinetta Vietti Moscato d'Asti, which has a low 5.5% alcohol content, and a Crossbarn Sonoma County Pinot Noir Rosé, which is fermented 80% in steel tanks and 20% in neutral oak. The Moscato has a floral and fruity aroma, with a sweet and lush flavor and fine bubbles. The rosé has a light pink color, a slightly funky aroma, and flavors of strawberry, raspberry, grapefruit, and cantaloupe.

  • The lunch took place on a blazing hot Los Angeles afternoon.

The players

Randy Fuller

A wine writer who has communicated with publicist Sam Dependahl for several years, although they had never met in person until this lunch.

Sam Dependahl

A publicist at Jarvis Communications who has provided Fuller with a lot of information for his writing over the years, and who brought a box of wine to their lunch meeting.

Molly Bohlman

The winemaker for Crossbarn Winery, which produced the Pinot Noir rosé that Fuller and Dependahl tasted.

Paul Hobbs

The legendary wine figure whose name is associated with Crossbarn Winery, although Bohlman is the actual winemaker.

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What they’re saying

“Wine, wine tasting, wine events.”

— Randy Fuller, Wine Writer (nowandzin.com)

The takeaway

The article showcases the mutually beneficial relationship between wine writers and publicists, who work together to promote wine and wine-related events. It also highlights how wine can be enjoyed in a casual, conversational setting over a meal, with a focus on the refreshing acidity and food-pairing qualities of the wines tasted.