Gene Castellino brings his unique perspective as both Palmetto Bluff's beverage director and a passionate health advocate to this energetic conversation about balancing wellness with life's pleasures. His journey from a coal mining town in Pennsylvania to becoming a wine expert showcases how structure and intentionality can create space for both indulgence and discipline.

• Gene approaches wine selection by seeking out small, family-owned producers rather than mass-market labels
• His "five days off, two days on" alcohol schedule allows him to enjoy quality wines while maintaining health priorities
• Structure and organization form the foundation of Gene's approach to fitness, nutrition, and travel
• Gene's fitness journey spans from bodybuilding to marathons to climbing Mount Whitney five times
• Growing up in a Sicilian household with homemade food shaped his clean eating approach
• Traveling to countries like Japan and Italy has reinforced his appreciation for fresh, seasonal ingredients
• Gene tracks his blood work twice a year to measure how his fitness and nutrition choices impact his health
• Quality over convenience guides his decisions—he won't consume alcohol unless it meets his standards
• Gene believes health must be everyone's top priority: "Without it, nothing else works"
• Preparing thoroughly for new experiences (like researching Japan for months) enhances enjoyment and reduces stress
• Gene avoids processed foods and hasn't had soda since giving it up for Lent at age 12

Remember: actively participate in life on your terms.