WWC25 – ABC: Always Bring Chardonnay, by Maria Banson

Guest contributor

Sunday 31 August 2025 • 1 min read

a drawing by the author showing a bottle of Chardonnay

In this brief but clever entry to our 2025 wine writing competition, sommelier Maria Banson writes a haiku about Chardonnay. See the guide to our competition for more.

Maria Banson writes Maria Banson is a Certified Sommelier living and working in the San Francisco Bay Area with her filmmaker husband. When she’s not writing emotional personal essays, like last year’s Scenes from the Third Act, Maria writes wine and movie pairings for her blog, Brunello Bombshell. A “semi-retired” actor and classical musician, Maria enjoys listening to Verdi operas and singing "Libiamo" while drinking Special Club Champagne… or old Brunello. Maria is currently studying for the Advanced Sommelier Exam with the Court of Master Sommeliers, so please send wine and flashcards.

ABC: Always Bring Chardonnay

A Haiku

You say you hate me
But have you tried me with brie?
I have taste, you see

Image caption: 'a favorite bottle of Chardonnay, as drawn by the author'.

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2025 wine writing competition wine writing Chardonnay

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