We believe that the most valuable asset in this life are the bonds we create. The ties we have to family, friends and to the earth itself are what provide us with happiness, security and purpose; and are what ultimately guide us in developing our ethos.
Our vignerons are true stewards of their land. Their biodynamic farming practices are centered on staying in sync with their vineyards by listening to the changing frequencies of the earth.
They nurture their vineyards accordingly, sustain it for generations to come and ultimately pour their stories into bottles that may be experienced near or far.
As importers, we see ourselves as an extension of these vignerons and their families. We are their conduit, communicating the stories they tell – shaped by the plots of land filled with their energy, passion and soul.
In this industry, there is a singular thread that ties us all together. As importers to our vignerons, and then through our distributors, to their clients, ultimately forming a complete tapestry.
We are honored to align ourselves with these beautiful winemakers and to be able to share these vessels of magic with our community.
Join us on this Cosmic Journey!
"The Whole Is Greater Than The Sum of Its Parts" - Aristotle
A Dynamic Team
| The team behind our company is more than just a group of salespeople; we are a united and knowledgeable team of storytellers. We bring a dynamic and vibrant energy to our work, fueled by our vast experience in the wine industry. With up to 35 years of experience in all facets of the industry, we have honed our expertise and developed a deep understanding of the craft.
As true ambassadors on wine, we possess a comprehensive knowledge that goes beyond the surface level. We have delved into the intricacies of winemaking, grape varietals, terroir, and the unique characteristics of different regions. Our team's deep understanding allows us to appreciate the artistry behind each bottle and the passion that drives our winemakers.
Drawing upon our wealth of experience and knowledge, we can provide a level of detail and storytelling that goes beyond simply selling a product. Instead, we can paint full paintings of our products for our clients. We go beyond superficial descriptions and instead provide a rich narrative that encapsulates the essence of the wine, the story behind the winemaker, and the journey from vine to bottle.
By painting these full pictures, we offer our clients a more profound and immersive experience. We can convey the unique flavors, aromas, and textures of each wine, as well as the history, traditions, and personal stories that make them special. Our ability to convey these elements allows our clients to develop a deeper appreciation and connection to the wines we offer.
In essence, our team's united and knowledgeable approach, combined with our extensive experience and deep understanding of wine, sets us apart. We are not simply focused on sales but are passionate about sharing the stories and artistry behind each bottle. Through our ability to paint full paintings of our products, we provide our clients with a truly immersive and enlightening wine experience.
Bao Michael Bassler
Partner | Bao Michael Bassler's extensive experience and his immersion in the world of wine for over three decades have shaped his deep knowledge of the industry. His involvement in retail, restaurants, wholesale, importing, and production have provided him with a comprehensive understanding of fine wines, industry trends, and key players.
Having studied with the Masters of Wines Program of London, Bao not only gained theoretical knowledge but also recognized the significance of building strong relationships and fostering trust with vignerons. His travels during this period allowed him to appreciate the importance of these connections in the wine industry.
Throughout his career, Bao has been fortunate to have incredible mentors who have influenced his path. Meeting Nicholas Joly, a prominent figure in the biodynamic wine movement, in 1998 inspired Bao's personal mission to champion and promote biodynamic wines. Additionally, his encounter with Maddalena Pasqua di Bisceglie of Musella Winery brought him into the world of Italian wines, while his relationship with Saverio Petrilli, an expert in applying Steinerian Principles within biodynamic farming, further deepened his understanding.
He credits his commitment to continuous learning as the secret key to sourcing wine from emerging producers. His ability to consistently and successfully do so has set him apart in the industry.
Finally, Bao has found his home with Cosmic Wine Collection, where his longstanding relationships with vignerons have enabled the company to secure biodynamically farmed vineyards as a foundation. His extensive network and strong bonds within the highly competitive wine industry provide Cosmic Wine Collection with opportunities to thrive.
Dustin Cassidy
Partner | Dustin is a distinguished leader in the wine industry with over 19 years of multifaceted experience spanning fine dining, sales, distribution, and importing. Raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Dustin’s passion for wine was cultivated early through his work in high-end restaurants, where he first encountered the world of fine wines.
At the age of 21, he launched his professional career as a sales representative for Winemark, representing renowned importers such as Rosenthal and Vias. A year later, he relocated to Scottsdale, Arizona, where he served as sommelier at Chef James Porter's acclaimed restaurant, Petite Maison. After six successful years in Arizona, Dustin returned to Santa Fe to join Synergy Fine Wines, where he represented prestigious portfolios including Giuliana Imports and Skurnik Wines.
His trajectory continued upward when he became Sales Director for VinGarage, overseeing portfolio management and leading the company’s sales division. He then moved to Los Angeles, where he joined Chef Nancy Silverton’s Michelin-starred Osteria Mozza as sommelier, later becoming lead sommelier and retail wine specialist at Wally’s Beverly Hills, one of the worlds premier wine destinations and a recipient of Wine Spectator’s Grand Award.
After four years at Wally’s, Dustin co-founded Cosmic Wine Collection with partner Bao Bassler, bringing a curated and forward-thinking approach to wine selection and distribution. He currently serves as the lead sommelier for celebrity Chef Evan Funke at his flagship location in Beverly Hills, continuing to shape and elevate the American wine experience with expertise, vision, and passion
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