Lawrence Cronin shares his lockdown experience in spontaneous and light discussion with Michelle Erland. Lawrence likes to make stuff up on his guitar as one of his hobbies, though he wouldn’t call it songwriting per se (definitely a must watch!). His other passions (besides wine making) include driving his motorcycle, watching children’s television shows with his son, and riffing on traditional Italian cooking with his wife. One sentiment would sum up Lawrence’s existence: “my heart’s in New York, my soul’s in Sicily.”
Michelle Erland is an Account Executive with Colangelo & Partners Public Relations in New York City and an Italian Wine Ambassador through the Vinitaly International Academy in Verona. From a hospitality background, her passion led her to wine and she completed an intensive sommelier program at the International Culinary Center (French Culinary Institute). In 2015, Michelle passed the Court of Master Certified Sommelier Exam. Throughout her wine studies, Italian wine always stood out as something she wanted to pursue. Michelle eventually joined Giovanni Rana Pastificio & Cucina as the Beverage Director and General Manager. This opportunity allowed her to follow her passion as she relocated to Verona, Italy. Michelle has had the fortune to teach pasta and wine classes in both Italy and London. The pursuit of education has always been a driving force in Michelle’s hunger for all things wine, food and hospitality
The son of a Sicilian immigrant, Lawrence Cronin is an American-born winemaker whose move back to Italy represents a return to his roots. Growing up in New York City, Lawrence felt a profound connection to his Italian heritage, taking annual trips with his maternal grandmother to visit her home in the small fishing village of Castellammare del Golfo on the northwest coast of Sicily. Lawrence has been the winemaker at Tenuta di Arceno for nearly twenty years. Prior to joining Tenuta di Arceno in 2002, Lawrence gained experience around the world in the cellars of prominent wineries such as Firriatto in Sicily, Cloudy Bay in New Zealand, Cape Mentelle in Australia, and Calina in Chile. When he’s not at the estate, Lawrence can be found on the sidelines of his son’s football matches or helping his wife at the Bed and Breakfast they own and manage in Castelnuovo Berardenga.
