Few, if any, sommeliers working today have witnessed—and contributed to—the evolution of fine wining and dining in America as much as Renzo Rapacioli in his five-decade career. From his family bistro in the small Italian town of San Michele, Rapacioli, 72, would go on to manage the wine programs at some of the most illustrious restaurants in New York.

Rapacioli's journey began humbly. After emigrating from Italy to Manhattan in 1960 at the age of 16, Rapacioli wasted no time diving into the restaurant scene, working first as a busboy at the former midtown hot spot Laurent.

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Source: http://www.winespectator.com/