Wine and sleep share a surprising connection – both are rituals of relaxation, balance and mindfulness. Just as a glass of organic wine can help you slow down and unwind at the right moment, a natural sleep environment enhances rest.
To explore this connection, we sat down with Salvatore Raffelo of Cornicello Wines and Matt Suroff of Tribeca Wine Collective. They shared their insights on organic winemaking, the harmony of wine and relaxation and how mindful pairings – whether of food, wine or natural materials – can enhance our well-being.
Q: How would you describe the connection between wine and sleep? How can slowing down with a glass of natural wine align with a wellness routine and how does conscious wine enjoyment contribute to relaxation?
Sal & Matt: It’s definitely individual, it’s best to limit one glass of wine, up to 2 glasses per evening. We like to say one glass up to 2-3 hours before bedtime, to unwind It helps you relax and transition into a restful state. However, drinking too close to bedtime can have the opposite effect and keep you up. It’s all about the balance.
Q: Tell us your philosophy about organic winemaking, what makes your wines special?
Sal: We’re artisan winemakers, working in small batches with sustainability at the core of our process. The vines we use for Sangiovese have been organic for 25 years. That’s crucial because if a vineyard wasn’t always organic, residual pesticides linger in the soil. When vines are fully organic, the native yeast on the grapes naturally ferments the wine without added yeast. It’s how wine was originally made—it’s magic.
Our 2020 Sangiovese was harvested just before the Northern California wildfires affected the region. We were fortunate to pick our grapes before the smoke tainted them. Fire is an inherent part of the California landscape, but it makes winemaking unpredictable. Each bottle captures a specific time and place.
Q: Sal and Matt, what are your favorite wine and food pairings? Do you have any specific tasting tips?
Sal: When I look at the wine, I look at the acid balance in it, it really helps to cleans your palate. I love a good steak or a piece of aged cheese, like the French, who have mastered wine and cheese pairings. A dense liver pâté? That’s a dish I wouldn’t enjoy as much without a glass of wine.
Matt: Pairing wine and food is about harmony. For example, our 2023 Staple Street Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with:
• Appetizer: Goat cheese & herb crostini or fresh oysters with white wine mignonette
• Main Course: Herb-roasted turkey breast or citrus-glazed halibut
• Side Dish: Roasted Brussels sprouts with lemon zest or butternut squash gratin
• Dessert: Gingerbread cookies or pumpkin pie
The pairing of food and wine is perfect. And again, like wine, don’t eat too close to bedtime.
Q: How did Cornicello Wines and Tribeca Wine Collective come to life? Can you share a bit about your journey from wine lovers to winemakers?
Sal: Our journey into winemaking happened organically—literally. I was invited to collaborate on a creative wine project Matt was leading, blending art and wine. With my background in architecture and his expertise in creative development, we saw an opportunity to work with a Paso Robles winemaker and talented artists.
We started working harvests in 2019, which deepened our passion. In 2020, I sourced organic Sangiovese grapes for Cornicello Wines, while Matt focused on Grüner Veltliner for Tribeca Wine Collective. What began as an appreciation for wine evolved into a commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and creativity.
Q: What inspired the design of your wine labels? Do they carry any special meaning?
Sal: The Cornicello Wines logo features the Italian Horn—a protective charm, similar to the Greek Evil Eye. It’s a symbol of good fortune and tradition.
Matt: Tribeca Wine Collective pays tribute to my favorite New York City streets. Each label reflects the energy and history of the area.
Q: How does sleeping on a COCO-MAT bed change your sleep experience?
Sal: For starters, the materials help us sleep better, because of the breathability of the cotton and wool. We literally can’t wait to get into bed.
COCO-MAT’s philosophy about sun hours and its benefits run parallel to organic wine production, as they are both natural products. I believe that non-organic wine loses its power, just the same way as synthetic materials ruin a good night sleep.
We think about it as a natural smart bed without the electronics.
Organic Wine Tasting Event @COCO-MAT SoHo
Celebrate Earth Month with us as we bring together the best of sustainable living and natural winemaking at COCO-MAT SoHo. Join us on Thursday, April 3rd, from 5–7 PM for an organic wine tasting experience with @tribecawineco & @cornicellowine—featuring small-batch, organic wines made with the same care and respect for nature as our handcrafted sleep products.
Reserve Your Spot Here: [email protected] and wine down with us, naturally!