LORENZO F. MUÑOZ, MD is a board-certified neurosurgeon and professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at Rush Medical College. He received his medical degree from the Ponce School of Medicine in Puerto Rico, where he graduated with high honors, and completed his neurosurgical internship and residency at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Outside of work, he is the founder of the Hinsdale Wine Academy, which offers both novices and aficionados the opportunity to enjoy wine in a friendly environment. A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, he has resided in Hinsdale for 10 years with his wife, Christine, and their five sons. Here a few of his best lasts:

LAST GREAT CHEAP BOTTLE OF WINE?

Boom Boom by Charles Smith—a Washington State Syrah. Talk about a great value. For $15, it hits all the salient features that makes Syrah “weird”: the black pepper, the preserved-meats nose, and the chewy weight in the palate.

LAST GREAT EXTRAVAGANT BOTTLE OF WINE?

A wonderful Burgundy. Bouchard Pere et Fils Le Corton 2017. It’s the type of wine that truly makes for a special gift. Opening it is its own special occasion. In this case, it was a thoughtful Christmas present from my wife, Christine.

LAST GREAT MEAL IN HINSDALE?

Vistro. Paul Virant, Chef Eddie, and the rest of the staff always make you feel at home. The wood-burning oven dinners are a Hinsdale gem.

LAST GREAT TRIP?

Went to Paso Robles, California and learned about the bold and adventurous wines they are making there. It was a quaint little town. Some describe this area as Napa many years ago. However, it’s also described as the Wild West of wine, as the winemakers “break the rules” in their zeal to craft unusual blends and styles. To name a few: Linne Calodo, Epoch, Booker, Tooth and Nail, Tablas Creek, and Daou. We stayed at the Hotel Cheval, a boutique hotel with plans to expand across the street.

LAST GREAT BUT UNEXPECTED FOOD AND WINE PAIRING?

Black bean soup with a 2011 Prado Enea Gran Reserva. Truly spectacular. The cedar, sweet tobacco, and perfectly nuanced oak notes perfectly complemented the dark creaminess and spices in the soup.

For more information on Hinsdale Wine Academy, visit hinsdalewineacademy.com.