Matt Ragno's back in Ladera, this time at Bianchini's Matt Ragno's back in Ladera, this time at Bianchini's (July 06, 2005)

By Jane Knoerle

Almanac Lifestyles Editor

Matt Ragno, former co-owner of John's Liquors in Ladera, is back at the Country Shopper as the wine consultant for Bianchini's Market.

June 27 was his first day on the job and his old customers were glad to see him. "I've had more kisses in the last week than I've had in the last 10 years," he says with a laugh. "This has been like old home week."

After 48 years in business, John's Liquors closed in January. Brothers Brock and Matt Ragno were running the store as their father, Don, and his brother, Larry, had done before them, back in the days when the original store was in East Palo Alto.

After a six-month hiatus, doing a little traveling, playing golf, fixing up his house in Redwood City, Mr. Ragno said he was glad to be going back to work. "Outside for working at John's for 34 years, this is my first job since high school."

He's busy re-organizing the wine department and hopes to add wine tastings, perhaps winemakers' dinners, in the future. He also expects to put on a wine sale soon.

With hot summer days suddenly upon us, what does a pro like Matt Ragno advise the wine lover to drink? "Perhaps a pinot grigio or a nice, dry rose from Italy or France." (Imported rose is not to be confused with the dreaded white zinfandel.)

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