Michelle GigonScreen name: Michi Group Leader of Girls, Guys and Grapes Neighborhood: Redondo Beach

Marketing executive Gigon started the Girls, Guys & Grapes wine appreciation group on SingularCity.com. The group discovers and shares fun wine-tasting events, news and fabulous finds. Vino virgins, cork connoisseurs and everyone in between are welcome!

Q: How did your passion for wine originate?

A: It began with my dad. He was born and raised in the French-speaking region of Switzerland and was a major influence on my discovery and appreciation of wine, especially French vintages.

Q: Name three extraordinary wines and the circumstances you experienced them in.

A: 2001 PlumpJack Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, which I sampled on a weekend excursion to Napa with friends. We visited the winery and fell in love with the place and the Cabernet. It was a perfect afternoon of wine tasting and camaraderie. And we each left with a case. I wish I could say I encountered the wonderful Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc on a trip to New Zealand! But I actually discovered it thanks to a restaurateur who shared a bottle with me about eight years ago. I’ve been hooked ever since. Lastly, my sisters and I surprised our dad on his 70th birthday by joining him in Lake Louise, Canada, for skiing and celebrating. We each signed the label of a 1998 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Champagne bottle and presented him with it.

Q: What is your ultimate dream bottle of wine?

A: That would be any bottle that brings friends and loved ones together! That being said, I’ve got my eye on the 2006 Gigondas Château de Saint Cosme Valbelle. Gigondas has been overshadowed by Châteauneuf-du-Pape. I’m starting to see more of it on wine lists these days, and I like its underdog story.

Q: What are some wine-tasting events you regularly attend in L.A.?

A: SingularCity has fun wine-tasting events, with great food too! Some of these celebrate specific wines and seasons. Check the events calendar. The American Wine & Food Festival, Savor the Season and Wally’s Annual Grande Marque Champagne Tasting are others I enjoy.

Michi and the members of Girls, Guys & Grapes look forward to meeting you on SingularCity.com and sharing their passion. Their next event is on Tuesday, July 14 to celebrate Bastille Day. Cheers!