How an Oregon sommelier's roots led to a robust career with a celebrated restaurant

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The wine and beverage director for an Oregon spot that was crowned one of the best restaurants of 2023 has a Filipino background that has enriched his time as a sommelier.

Fifty-year-old Ronald Acierto leads the wine and beverage program for McMinnville’s Tributary Hotel and its eatery Ōkta, which the New York Times listed among the top restaurants of last year. And earlier this year, Chef Matthew Lightner was named a semifinalist in the James Beard Award for best chefs in the northwest.