Chris Sennett and his lovely wife, Lucy, are local South Walton esidents and busy professionals. Chris works 
Thanks for doing this week’s SoWal Scene Q & A with me, Chris!
You aren’t from South Walton originally – where did you move from and how long have you guys been here?
Grew up in France and have been coming to the Panhandle since I was 15. Lived in Pensacola just before moving to Walton County over 10 years ago.
Why did you choose South Walton?
It made sense for my work since this was a growing area so I wouldn’t have to burn so many miles to and from Pensacola. I also thought it was a very cool area, quiet and beautiful.
You and I share a similar interest – wine! When and where did your passion for the grape start?
My family was actually in the business. My grandparents had vineyards in Algeria that was then a French possession. So wine has always been a tradition in the family. The not so serious explanation is that I fell in a barrel as a kid and so it has been in my blood ever since. :)
You are with Opici Import Company – want to tell us about what you do? Do you work with a lot of local restaurants and such?
Actually yes. We’re a medium size distributor with lots of very unique wines that traditionally are not mass marketed. Our portfolio seems to enthuse a lot of wine lovers seeking family wineries with, not just a great reputation, but also a serious passion for their craft.
Having said that, our business is geared primarily towards independent restaurants and retail shops with a similar passion and looking to set themselves apart and create a versatile selection to shop from.
What is your favorite wine?
Woah! What is your favorite record/album, movie, actor/actress, book? Really I think wine is something that is completely emotional, maybe it’s a great vintage bottle or a special find, although for me it is about the company that I am in, the food, the occasion. It is more of a celebration of the moment.
Some people call it a social lubricant, I believe that wine is all about that magic instant where all comes together and makes you say weeks or months later: Do you remember that day when we had that one bottle of so and so? Generally I find that it’s not just about the wine but the surrounding and that slice of one’s life.
Do you have a favorite South Walton restaurant that you like to eat and drink wine at?
Again the list is long. We are so lucky in the area to have such a diverse array of awesome eateries. Really - we forget how good we have it in SoWal.
The wine and food scene in South Walton seems to be evolving quickly right now – any trends you are seeing on that front?
Unfortunately the pace at which restaurants are opening up or closing for that matter is often dictated by the real estate environment.
One trend that seems to be emerging is the tapas bars, or restaurants promoting an array of light fares accompanied by a glass/bottle of wine. I like the concept simply because it is generally casual and invites the guests to try several specialties instead of one big meal and can also be paired up with different wines as you go. So I guess the concept of trying different things works for both the food and the wines.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off in South Walton?
Truly it is spending it with my family, working in the garden, play a little soccer and sharing some food and a glass of wine with friends.
Thanks, Chris!!
