Bernabe DeLuna
Cella Restaurant & Bar
525 Polk St., Monterey
(831) 920-1046, cellarestaurant.com
As a sommelier, Bernabe DeLuna was in charge of some stellar wine cellars. He served at Pacific’s Edge and the Michelin-starred Aubergine, for example. That’s like saying one sheriff cleaned up Dodge and then did the same at Tombstone. Now, as general manager at Cella, DeLuna has helped to curate a wine list that, while not extensive, is broad ranging. In addition to standouts from Monterey County, the restaurant stocks wines from California’s overlooked regions, like Amador, as well as the famed vineyards. And the list is the same with international wines, featuring the varietals and regions people expect, as well as treats like a Riesling from Saar or a blend of Spanish grapes from Rioja. And it’s all selected with Chef Cal Stamenov’s flavors in mind. The wines are nice on their own, but heed DeLuna’s food pairing suggestions.
