Who is the Brunello Bombshell?

Maria Banson is a Certified Sommelier living and working in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, award-winning director of stage and screen Enrico Banson. A “semi-retired” actor and classical musician, Maria enjoys listening to Verdi operas and singing "Libiamo" while drinking Special Club Champagne… or old Brunello.

Follow Maria on Instagram and TikTok @brunellobombshell.

What’s it all about?

Brunello Bombshell brings together two of my great loves - wine and movies - into one shared space. Here we talk about the latest news in the wine world, what I’m drinking when I watch a movie or TV show, and anything you ever wanted to know about #sommlife.


Wine and Movie Pairings will hit your inbox every Friday, running the gamut from the latest blockbuster to classic flicks paired with my favorite beverages from around the world. Expect to see mostly cinematic titles here, but a great TV show may pop up here and there.

The Wine Press is your weekly dose of wine news, now available as a podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and right here on Substack. Tune in each Wednesday for the most eye-catching news from the wine world and beyond!

When we’re not talking about wine or movies, you’ll get a sneak peek into my personal obsessions and life as a sommelier. Yes, there’s bottle shots, blind tasting groups, and late night study sessions, but so much more awaits!

Why subscribe?

Free subscribers will receive Wine and Movie Pairings every Friday.

Paid Subscribers get full access to the newsletter and website. Every new article from Brunello Bombshell goes directly to your inbox on Tuesdays and Fridays.

OG Bombshells are *amazing*, and they’ll receive a quarterly zine in addition to all of the above features.

Be the first to see the newest material as it is released. And thank you for your support!

Become a Bombshell

If you’re someone who enjoys drinking wine, watching movies, talking about wine and movies as art forms with deep cultural implications, or you re-watch the SOMM documentary more times than you’d like to admit… welcome home! Hit that Subscribe button, grab a glass of something delicious, and take a look around.

Brunello Bombshell is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Subscribe to Brunello Bombshell

Wine and movie pairings, personal essays, and anything you ever wanted to know about #sommlife from your favorite Certified Sommelier.

People

Certified Sommelier living and working in the San Francisco Bay Area. Semi-retired actor and classical musician. My favorite season is awards!