Twisted Vine Bistro | Wine Bar unites excellence in food and wine with an unpretentious sophistication. We are committed to offering our community a culinary experience that provides the intimacy and comfort of eating with loved ones while in a lively, casual atmosphere. Chef inspired cuisine has a global flare, created with local, fresh, natural products. Wines are hidden gems from all over the world that thoughtfully pair with the menu and are available for purchase. Craft beers and specialty drinks are favorites from local purveyors. The bistro’s ambiance creates a haven for local and national artists to showcase their work.

 

Luciano Leonardo: Beverage Director

You could say that Luciano Leonardo was born with wine running through his veins.

Luciano calls Bassano del Grappa, Italy, home, where his family’s historic grounds have grown the vines of many of Italy’s most precious wines for hundreds of years. The eldest of the fifth generation of the Leonardo family, Luciano’s passion for wine and food has been fostered by his heritage and world travel.

Luciano also knows business and adventure, two skills imperative for a beverage director. His resume is impressive; his experience as an investment banker and yacht captain tailored essential skills to make Luciano’s talent sought by club and restaurant owners worldwide. Most recently, Luciano developed the beverage program for San Diego’s Keating Hotel and The merK Bistro Italiano. He has also opened prestigious clubs in Las Vegas, Miami, New York City, and in Mexico.

Luciano welcomes the opportunity to share a unique story behind every glass of wine he serves a  Twisted Vine Bistro | Wine Bar. 

Mia Saling: Executive Chef

For Mia Saling, all roads lead to the kitchen.

A native Californian, Mia grew up surrounded by fresh produce, delicious seafood, and organic farming. Attending Lodi’s harvest festivals (including the famous Grape Festival) was anticipated activity; enjoying fresh fish and seafood on San Clemente’s and San Diego’s shores was a must. The sourdough starter that is still used today by Mia and her mother has a forty year history, originating in San Francisco, to where Mia’s family emigrated from Spain.

Mia’s love for culinary creativity nudged her into kitchens, which paved the way for her attendance at The Art Institute of California | San Diego. It is here that her studies as a classically trained chef refined her raw skill developed in San Diego restaurants and membership-based clubs, such as Stone Brewing World Bistro, Pantry Rancho Santa Fe, and The Rancho Santa Fe Farms Golf Club.

Mia brings expert craftsmanship and global inspiration to every dish she offers at Twisted Vine Bistro | Wine Bar. It is her pleasure to ensure an inspired experience for the community.

Scott Laursen: Sous Chef

Scott Laursen likes to fire up the kitchen with his passion and talent.

Scott is proud to call San Diego his lifelong home. It is here where he developed his skill for his two passions, surfing and cooking. It was while training as a firefighter that he ventured into new territory by taking a cooking job at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. This sparked his passion for food, and, with formal training at Mesa College’s Culinary Arts Program, opened opportunities for cooking positions throughout the city, including Island Prime Restaurant, and, most recently, Island Palms Hotel & Marina.

Scott is excited to share his creative culinary talent at Twisted Vine Bistro | Wine Bar.

Tammy Moore: Proprietor

Tammy Moore is passion personified.

A lover of food and wine, Tammy’s vision for Twisted Vine Bistro | Wine Bar has been clear: to create a place for people to find great tasting food and drink while enjoying a friendly, comfortable atmosphere.

Tammy is not a novice in taking a good idea and developing a successful venture. She has built and operated multiple restaurant concepts, an advertising agency, and, in 2007, she launched a business leadership coaching company, Mor is Mor, using her talent to help others achieve their goals.

Business leader. Wife. Mother. Daughter. Artist. Car enthusiast and outdoor adventurer. All of these titles describe Tammy, and it is from her achievements in these roles that she has launched Twisted Vine Bistro | Wine Bar as the latest accomplishment she is thrilled to share.