The Reluctant Somm: Wine & Hospitality Podcast

How does working the drive-thru window at Culver's prepare you to become a Restaurant General Manager and Wine Director?   In this honest conversation, I sit down with Danny Mastropierro to discuss the realities of building a successful career in the hospitality industry. Danny takes us through his entire professional journey, starting with his time as a shy teenager working fast food in Florida, moving into the demanding world of white linen service, and eventually managing high-profile corporate groups in major cities.   He shares lessons learned about the importance of execution over effort, the culture shock of moving from casual dining to fine dining, and the profound difference between old-school management and modern corporate structure. We dive into the wisdom behind his creed, "Wine is History, GM is Math," and how he navigated the intense, transient environment of a major city like San Francisco to find his professional footing.   This episode is essential viewing for anyone looking for the unfiltered truth about working their way up the ladder in restaurants.   **SUBSCRIBE & CONNECT** Listen to the Full Audio Episode: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com Connect with Danny Mastropierro: @dmastropierro Follow The Reluctant Somm on Instagram: @reluctantsomm

In an industry often defined by accolades, what is the real work? We sat down with Caleb McArthur, Lead Sommelier of the Grand Award-winning Selby's, to talk about a journey that proves the path to the top is rarely a straight line. Caleb's story begins not with a deep wine cellar, but in a university psychology program. It's a path that took him from a family-owned Chinese restaurant to the high-stakes corporate world of The Ritz-Carlton, and eventually into the intense, character-building "dojo" of 3-Michelin-star Benu. He shares raw, honest lessons about embracing discomfort, surviving a chaotic Napa harvest, and understanding that the ultimate goal of hospitality is simple: bringing comfort to others. This is a conversation about the relentless commitment to craft, the resilience required to truly grow, and the humanity at the heart of service. Timestamp Navigation: 01:09 - An Unlikely Start: The Psychology Path 03:20 - The First Spark: Lessons from a Family Restaurant 05:26 - The Corporate Leap: Discipline at the Ritz Carlton 11:21 - Inside the "Dojo": An Eye-Opening Stint at 3-Michelin-Star Benu 12:26 - Trial by Fire: Surviving the "Blade Runner" Sky of the 2020 Harvest 22:08 - The David Bowie Method for Embracing Career Discomfort 44:48 - Getting the Call: How Hospitality Legends Recruit Talent 50:46 - More Than a Trophy: The Real Strategy Behind a Grand Award 57:42 - A Sommelier's Take: The Right (and Wrong) Way to Do Corkage 1:03:37 - Finding the 'Why': How Service Connects Everything

On this episode of The Reluctant Somm, I sit down with Tommy Laurel, a sommelier at Lazy Bear in San Francisco. We talk about the hard work and fierce drive it takes to succeed in the hospitality and beverage industry, how the pandemic changed everything, and Tommy’s path to becoming a sommelier at an acclaimed fine-dining restaurant.   You can also find us online at: Website: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/ Instagram: @reluctantsomm YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thereluctantsomm   Keywords: hospitality, wine, beverage industry, sommelier, fine dining, San Francisco, Lazy Bear, career, passion, hard work, personal growth.

This week, we sit down with Alder Yarrow, a celebrated voice in the wine world who has built his reputation on curiosity, integrity, and a deep-seated belief in the stories behind the bottle. We discuss his journey from a digital marketing professional to a highly respected wine critic for his blog, Vinography, and as a longtime contributor to JancisRobinson.com. He shares the story of founding a global organization dedicated to preserving the world’s most historic vineyards and his involvement with a foundation that is creating a more diverse hospitality industry. It's a conversation about finding a personal mission, challenging conventional wisdom, and the relentless pursuit of what truly matters in wine.   Alder’s story is a masterclass in how to build a body of work with passion and purpose. He is a professional who is pushing the boundaries, championing honest, handcrafted wine, and working to create a more inclusive and sustainable industry. This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to learn how passion, purpose, and a little bit of audacity are creating the next generation of the wine industry.   We dive into: The Roots of Curiosity: The personal childhood memory that sparked Alder's love for wine and a unique palate for flavor. The Old Vine Registry: The mission to create a global, crowdsourced database to protect and celebrate the world's most ancient vineyards . A Conduit for Connection: How wine, at its best, acts as a bridge for conversation and meaningful connection between people . A Lesson in Resilience: Why old vineyards—survivors of political, climate, and market change—are so vital and what they teach us about endurance . Timestamps: Alder’s Wine Journey 00:00 - The Roots of Curiosity: A single childhood memory sparks a lifelong curiosity about wine . 00:18:00 - The Path to Wine Criticism: How a digital marketing professional transitioned into writing about wine. 00:35:45 - The Old Vine Registry: The origin story of the non-profit organization dedicated to cataloging and preserving the world's oldest vineyards . 00:54:20 - A Critique of the System: A pointed critique of confusing wine rating systems and their impact . A Philosophy of Connection 01:04:00 - A New Approach to Diversity: Alder's involvement with the Glancy Wine Education Foundation and its mission to help underserved communities . 01:15:30 - Southern Fried Chicken & Champagne: A conversation about perfect, and perfectly unexpected, food and wine pairings . 01:32:00 - The Power of Story: Why the narrative behind a bottle of wine is more valuable than any score . 01:45:00 - Wine as a Conduit: The idea that a bottle of wine is a vehicle for conversation and connection . Connect with Alder: The Old Vine Registry (https://www.oldvineregistry.org/): A grassroots, volunteer effort that is the world's first crowdsourced global database of living historic vineyard sites. Its purpose is to be the single richest source of accurate, in-depth data on old-vine vineyards in the world and to connect people with vineyards to ensure their preservation. The Glancy Wine Education Foundation (https://www.glancywineeducationfoundation.org/): A non-profit dedicated to providing scholarships to underserved communities in wine and hospitality. The foundation aims to increase diversity and raise the earning power of professionals through wine education. Vinography: https://www.vinography.com/ JancisRobinson.com: https://www.jancisrobinson.com/ #Wine #Podcast #WinePodcast #Interview #AlderYarrow #OldVines #Vinography #WineCritic #GlancyFoundation #WineEducation #WineWriting #Hospitality #Sustainability #Resilience #WineLover #Winemaking

This week, we sit down with Corey Reis, the thoughtful and resilient Wine Director of Be.Steak.A in Campbell. In a deeply personal conversation, Corey shares his winding journey through the hospitality industry—a path marked by high-stakes Michelin pop-ups, the humbling reality of wine sales, and a profound, life-altering turn toward gardening as a way to navigate grief. It’s a story about coming home to your passion, even when the road is anything but straight. Corey’s story is the epitome of what it means to be a "Reluctant Somm." He’s a professional whose expertise was forged not just in fine dining rooms, but through real-life struggle, adaptation, and a willingness to step away to find clarity. This is a must-listen for anyone who understands that a career isn’t always a ladder, but a journey of resilience, self-discovery, and finding your way back. We dive into: The Zig-Zag Career: Why stepping in and out of the wine world—from breweries to sales—can be a source of strength and perspective. Growth from Grief: How starting a garden after a personal loss provided a powerful new connection to the earth and a path through hardship. The Michelin Gauntlet: A look inside the controlled chaos of running the wine program for Ritual at Manresa, a rotating, three-Michelin-star pop-up. The Power of Mentorship: The story of the Bacchus Group "family" and the key figures who shaped his journey in hospitality. Timestamps: The Winding Road 03:16 - A Serendipitous Start: How a legal battle with a vocational school led to a job at Pizza Antica and the start of a career. 07:52 - The Humbling Reality of Sales: The transition from the restaurant floor to a distribution rep and the lessons learned. 10:05 - A Detour into Beer: Stepping away from wine to find a different kind of community and passion at a local brewery. The Turning Point 09:17 - Navigating Personal Loss: Corey speaks openly about his mother's passing and the decision to step back from the industry. 11:33 - The Hibiscus Project: How discovering a passion for gardening transformed his father's yard into a food forest and became a source of healing and joy. 37:34 - Connecting Soil to Wine: How getting his hands dirty in the garden created a deeper, more tangible understanding of viticulture. The Return to Wine 16:27 - Ritual at Manresa: The story of landing a "vastly underqualified" job and being thrown into the fire with the world's best chefs. 19:54 - Chasing the Michelin Bug: The desire to be part of a home team and build something lasting, leading to his role at Be.Steak.A. 1:21:23 - Advice to the Industry: Corey's final thoughts and his most important piece of advice: "Don't ever take your foot off the gas." Connect with Corey: Instagram: @[Corey's Handle] Be.Steak.A Restaurant: @besteaka_ca Corey's Gardening Project: The Hibiscus Project on YouTube Connect with The Reluctant Somm: Instagram: @reluctantsomm Support Our Mission: Your support is our fuel. Leave a review, share this episode with a friend, or subscribe on YouTube. #TheReluctantSomm #CoreyReis #BeSteakA #Sommelier #GriefJourney #Gardening #HospitalityStrong #Resilience #PersonalStory #WinePodcast #NewEpisode #Podcast #Interview #Wine #WineLover #SommLife #BayAreaFoodie #CampbellCA #FoodAndWine #Winemaking

In this episode, I sit down with the passionate Zoltan Csaba Nagy, a renowned Sommelier and the author of the award-winning book Wine Queens. He is also a judge for Spain's highly respected annual "100 Best Wine of the Year" guide. Now the General Manager of the Palo Alto restaurant, Macarena, Zoltan shares his captivating story—from his eye-opening "aha moment" at a tiny, family-run winery in Spain to a decorated career in Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe.   Zoltan pulls back the curtain on his remarkable journey, sharing his philosophy on authenticity and his mission to make wine an accessible, joyful experience.   In this episode, we explore: A Different Wine Philosophy: Zoltan discusses the personal, family-driven culture of Spanish wineries and how it compares to other global regions he has visited.   The Power of Connection: Zoltan's belief that wine is about community, not just scores and price tags, and why authentic relationships with small producers are key to a great wine list.   Beyond the Restaurant: His career as a celebrated international wine judge and author.   A Taste of Spain: What makes Macarena's authentic approach, from the tableside carved jamón to their unique sherry program, a hit with guests.   Connect with Zoltan and Macarena: @zoltancsaba Macarena Restaurant: @macarena.group Zoltan's book, Wine Queens (Reinas de Copas)   Want more from The Reluctant Somm? 🍷 Free Wine Community Resources: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/comm... Follow us on Instagram: @thereluctantsomm #TheReluctantSomm #WinePodcast #Sommelier #SpanishWine #Macarena #PaloAlto #WineLover #WineCulture #Podcast #wine

Welcome to Season 4 of The Reluctant Somm. This is the conversation we’ve needed to have with you. In our most honest episode yet, Chris sits down with, Bianca Finley—a wine professional, an entrepreneur, and the other half of this podcast. We pull back the curtain on the chaotic but necessary work of building a life and a brand on your own terms. We discuss the most powerful lessons we've learned, including: The Power of Authenticity: Our journey in a sometimes hostile industry and why being "unapologetically yourself" became our most powerful tool. The New Era of Wine: A look at the "Old Guard" versus the "New Wave," and our role as a bridge for a more equitable future. The Unfiltered Reality: We expose the layers of privilege in the industry and reveal why your support is so critical to our mission. This is more than a podcast; it’s a movement. We are building a community with no safety net, and this episode is our mission statement. Join the movement: We’re building something bigger. Follow our journey on our new podcast, "The Chaotic Era," where we tackle upward mobility, generational wealth, and what it really means to have a seat at the table. https://www.thepoormillennials.com/ Connect with us: Your support is our fuel. Leave a review, share this episode with a friend, and let us know your biggest takeaway on Instagram. @reluctantsomm Thank you for being part of our community. #TheReluctantSomm #Season4 #WineIndustry #GritAndGrace #Entrepreneurship #AuthenticLeadership #UpwardMobility

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Paul Carayas from Saison Wine Bar, an esteemed professional and the only Certified Madeira Wine Educator in North America! With over two decades in hospitality, including a storied tenure as Wine Director for Michelin-rated Chez TJ, Paul shares his passion for wine, which he literally thinks about every single day.   Join us as we delve into Paul's philosophy of challenging both himself and his customers, believing that if you're not pushing boundaries, you might be short-changing the experience. He explains how wine is an endless journey of discovery, where you can never truly know everything. Paul also pulls back the curtain on how his trusty Coravin allows him to pour incredible, "off-the-wall" wines by the glass, ensuring a unique offering for every guest. And for a truly unforgettable pairing, he reveals one of Saison Wine Bar's must-try experiences: oysters and Madeira. Tune in for a captivating conversation about continuous learning and the art of helping others navigate their own wine journey.   Wines Drank: 2012 Domaine Ramonet Bouzeron 2018 La Follette Robert Road Vineyard Pinot Noir   Want more from The Reluctant Somm? 🍷 Join us at an upcoming event!: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/events Free Wine Community Resources: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/community Stay in the loop with our monthly guide & Newsletter: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com Follow us on Instagram: @thereluctantsomm   #PaulCarayas #SaisonWineBar #MadeiraWineEducator #SommelierLife #WineJourney #Coravin #WinePairing #OystersAndMadeira #WinePodcast #TheReluctantSomm #HospitalityIndustry #WineCommunity #WineEducation #WineLovers #Interview

In this heartfelt episode, as she prepares to leave San Francisco, we sit down with Lauren Loiselle, a talented sommelier and Cicerone. Lauren's rich background includes Angler in San Francisco, Che Fico and Bar Jabroni in SF, and Homewood in Dallas. Join us as we delve into her reflections on closing this chapter in her life, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs. We also explore the many beautiful aspects of San Francisco, celebrating its vibrant spirit and the unique community it fosters within the hospitality industry. Tune in for a conversation about new beginnings and the enduring passion that drives true professionals in both wine and beer. Wines Drank: 2024 Jolie Laide Melon de Bourgogne 2023 Tiberio Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Want more from The Reluctant Somm? 🍷 Join us at an upcoming event!: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/eventsFree Wine Community Resources: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/community Stay in the loop with our monthly guide & Newsletter: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com Follow us on Instagram: @thereluctantsomm #LaurenLoiselle #AnglerSF #SommelierLife #Cicerone #BeerLover #SanFrancisco #HospitalityIndustry #WinePodcast #TheReluctantSomm #NewBeginnings #WineCommunity #SFHospitality #wine #interview

San Francisco's vibrant restaurant scene is built on the passion and hard work of individuals with diverse backgrounds, and this week on The Reluctant Somm, we speak with one of them: Jordan Abraham, the Beverage Manager for The Wild and Yokai. His journey in the hospitality industry began in Santa Cruz, working at a local dive bar. This experience then led him through the bar and restaurant cultures of Australia and New York City, shaping his unique perspective on the beverage world.   Jordan takes us behind the scenes of the recent evolution of Gozu into The Wild, focusing on his role in developing the exciting new beverage offerings, working alongside the talented culinary team led by Chef Marc Zimmerman. We delve into The Wild's innovative approach to pairings, where thoughtfully selected wines share the spotlight with a full spirits pairing designed to complement their menu – a reflection of Jordan's well-rounded expertise. He also shares his insights on San Francisco's exceptional access to fine wines and spirits and the art of curating a compelling and balanced drink menu. As a special treat, Jordan also gives us an insider's look by highlighting some of his favorite dishes currently on The Wild's menu.   Tune in to hear Jordan's story, a journey that underscores the dedication and diverse experiences that contribute to the success of the restaurant industry.   Wines Drank: 2019 Sandhi Blanc de Noirs 2020 C.H. Berres Riesling, Ürziger Würzgarten   Want more from The Reluctant Somm? 🍷 Join us at an upcoming event!: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/events Free Wine Community Resources: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/comm... Stay in the loop with our monthly guide & Newsletter: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com Follow us on Instagram: @thereluctantsomm #wine #podcast #interview #bayarea #sanfrancisco #thewildsf #yokaisf #beveragemanager #spiritpairing #winepairing #sandhiwines #chberres #urzigerwurzgarten #mosel #hospitality #restaurant

Ever wonder what it takes to run the massive food and beverage program at a venue like San Francisco's Chase Center? This week on The Reluctant Somm, we sit down with Bay Area native Brooke Lieberwitz, the powerhouse who oversaw it all. From her early days in the local scene to managing beverage programs at Oracle Park and the Exploratorium, Brooke shares her journey navigating the high-pressure world of large-scale hospitality. We delve into the intricate dance of managing huge teams and countless moving parts, highlighting her remarkable ability to maintain calm and focus amidst the energy of thousands of fans. Brooke is now bringing her expertise to Intuit, running their food and beverage program. Beyond the scale of her previous roles, Brooke also reveals the thoughtful curation behind the Chase Center's wine program, a refreshing commitment to featuring smaller, often local producers – a truly unique approach for such a major venue. Join us for an insightful conversation that explores the challenges and rewards of bringing a personal touch to a grand stage, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the dedication it takes to pour the perfect glass, no matter the size of the crowd. Want more from The Reluctant Somm? 🍷 Join us at an upcoming event!: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/events Free Wine Community Resources: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/community Stay in the loop with our monthly guide & Newsletter: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com Follow us on Instagram: @thereluctantsomm #wine #podcast #interview #bayarea #sanfrancisco #chasecenter #oraclepark #exploratorium #foodandbeverage #hospitality

From a teenage harvest in Argentina's Calchaqui Valley to a deep immersion in Spanish wines and a dynamic partnership in California's minimal intervention scene, Jehan Hakimian's journey in the wine world is anything but conventional. This week on The Reluctant Somm, we trace Jehan's path, exploring his extensive experience in wine sales and his profound knowledge of Spain's diverse terroir. We also delve into his collaboration with Ryan Stirm in Los Chuchaquis (Quechua for "without legs"!), uncovering their philosophy of crafting sparkling Albariño, Sangiovese, and other unique varietals from old vines with minimal intervention and maximum flavor. Jehan also sheds light on Stirm Wines, Ryan's original label focused on naturally made Riesling and historic Central Coast grapes like Cabernet Pfeffer. Join us for a conversation that bridges continents and winemaking philosophies, revealing the passion and dedication behind these compelling wines. Want more from The Reluctant Somm? 🍷 Join us at an upcoming event!: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/events Free Wine Community Resources: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/community Stay in the loop with our monthly guide & Newsletter: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com Follow us on Instagram: @thereluctantsomm #wine #podcast #interview #spanishwine #californiawine #minimalintervention #stirmwines #loschuchaquis #jehanhakimian

Discover the captivating journey of Paul Baldi, a Champagne native who honed his craft in the prestigious restaurants of Paris before making his mark in California at Atelier Crenn and The Battery. This episode dives into the exciting evolution within Champagne, the realities of the hospitality industry since the pandemic, and the complexities of wine distribution across the country. Paul also shares the story behind his own Champagne, Champagne Baldi - Pain, and his new venture, Voila Wine, a platform offering a curated selection and expert wine concierge services to make wine discovery approachable and enjoyable. Want more from The Reluctant Somm? 🍷 Join us at an upcoming event!: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/eventsFree Wine Community Resources: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/community Stay in the loop with our monthly guide & Newsletter: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com Follow us on Instagram: @thereluctantsomm #Champagne #CaliforniaWine #HospitalityIndustry #WinePodcast #PaulBaldi #VoilaWine #WineConcierge #AtelierCrenn #TheBatterySF #WineLover #Podcast #Interview

Join Chris for a conversation with Peter Andrews, founder of Culture Wine Co. a fantastic South African import book, as they delve into the fascinating world of Chenin Blanc. In anticipation of the upcoming Hella Chenin Fest, they'll explore exceptional selections from both South Africa and the United States, highlighting Peter's expertise in sourcing distinctive wines. Peter also shares his insights on building community within the wine industry and navigating the current landscape of international tariffs through the lens of Culture Wine Co.'s mission.   Want more from The Reluctant Somm? 🍷 Join us at an upcoming event!: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/events Free Wine Community Resources: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/community Stay in the loop with our monthly guide & Newsletter: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com Follow us on Instagram: @thereluctantsomm    #wine #podcast #southafrica #cheninblanc #hellacheninfest #culturewineco #community #tariffs

In this insightful episode, we sit down with the incredibly talented Chef Celtin Hendrickson of Prelude, a restaurant recently acknowledged with a Michelin "nod." Celtin takes us on his inspiring journey, starting from his early days as a dishwasher to becoming the driving force behind a unique and elevated take on Southern cuisine right here in California. Discover how childhood memories, especially those of his grandmother's grits, deeply influence his innovative tasting menus. Celtin shares how he masterfully blends the nostalgia of authentic Southern flavors with the incredible local ingredients found in California, even drawing inspiration from places beyond our region. Beyond the exceptional food, Chef Hendrickson passionately discusses his philosophy on hospitality. He emphasizes the importance of creating a truly welcoming and special experience for every guest, breaking down the traditional "fourth wall" to reveal the human element and heart behind his dedicated team. Tune in to hear Celtin's personal stories, his creative process, and his vision for bringing a taste of Southern soul to the California culinary landscape at Prelude. Topics Covered: • Chef Celtin Hendrickson's journey from dishwasher to chef • The inspiration behind Prelude's elevated Southern tasting menu • The influence of childhood memories and family recipes • Blending Southern nostalgia with California ingredients • Celtin's philosophy on hospitality and guest experience • Breaking the fourth wall and the human element in restaurants • Getting a Michelin "nod" acknowledgment • AND so much more! Listen and watch to see what he has to say.   Want more from The Reluctant Somm? 🍷 Join us at an upcoming event!: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/events Free Wine Community Resources: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/community Stay in the loop with our monthly guide & Newsletter: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com Follow us on Instagram: @thereluctantsomm #wine #podcast #interview #sommelier #restaurant #sanfrancisco #riesling #beveragedirector #hospitality

From a high school gig at a local Mexican joint to working in a restaurant in Honduras while diving the depths of its reefs, Adam Robins' path to beverage director at San Francisco's State Bird Provisions, The Progress, and Anchovy Bar is anything but ordinary. We trace his journey, from Michael Mina's influence to his deep dive into German Riesling, and explore the importance of connecting directly with the producers behind the bottle. Adam shares his unique perspective on the industry, reminding us that "it takes work to have fun." Join us as we uncover the story behind the list, and discover the dedication it takes to craft a truly unforgettable dining experience. Want more from The Reluctant Somm? 🍷 Join us at an upcoming event!: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/events Free Wine Community Resources: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/community Stay in the loop with our monthly guide & Newsletter: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com Follow us on Instagram: @thereluctantsomm #wine #podcast #interview #sommelier #restaurant #sanfrancisco #riesling #beveragedirector #hospitality

Adrian Chan's been in some serious kitchens, like Atelier Crenn and Angler, and he's got stories. We talk Michelin standards, the whole burnout thing, and why he's now moving to the front of the house to really get the full picture of hospitality. Grab a glass, hit play, and join the conversation. 🎙🍷 Want more from The Reluctant Somm? 🍷 Join us at an upcoming event!: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/events Free Wine Community Resources: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/community Stay in the loop with our monthly guide & Newsletter: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com Follow us on Instagram: @thereluctantsomm ​ #wine #podcast #interview #winepairing #somm #restaurants #hospitality

What do guitars and grenache have in common? More than you'd think. Today, we're joined by Jesse Hudson—musician turned wine industry newcomer—to unpack his unorthodox path into wine. Together, we challenge the idea that wine should be an elite pursuit, argue why it’s time to shake up the industry, and explore the magic of keeping an open mind (and palate). This episode is for anyone who’s felt like an outsider looking in—whether you're a sommelier, a hospitality pro, or just someone curious about wine. Jesse keeps it real as we talk journeys, humility, and why wine should belong to everyone. Grab a glass, hit play, and join the conversation. 🎙🍷 Want more from The Reluctant Somm? 🍷 Join us at an upcoming event!: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/events Free Wine Community Resources: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/community Stay in the loop with our monthly guide & Newsletter: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com Follow us on Instagram: @thereluctantsomm ​ #wine #podcast #interview #winepairing #somm #restaurants #hospitality

The Franscioni family is synonymous with the Santa Lucia Highlands. Nick Franscioni joined us this week and gave us great understanding of the history, geology, and current climates of SLH. We discussed their experimental sparkling wine, the love for Rhone grapes and their diverse agriculture (their avocados are incredible). Additionally they along with other producers in the region have been collaborating on educational trips for industry professionals which I think is vastly important to show the new generations involvement in the evolution of the wineries.   Want more from The Reluctant Somm? 🍷 Join us at an upcoming event!: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/events Free Wine Community Resources: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/community Stay in the loop with our monthly guide & Newsletter: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com Follow us on Instagram: @thereluctantsomm ​ #wine #podcast #interview #winemakers #winepairing #somm #restaurants #wineries #hospitality #santaluciahighlands

This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Andre John to the podcast as he shares his inspiring journey from Pittsburgh to Dallas, and now to his current endeavors in San Francisco. Andre discusses how he navigated pivotal changes after the pandemic, reflects on the incredible individuals who played key roles in shaping his path, and reveals his unique approach to pairing Southern Indian cuisine. Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek at the exciting new project from the team at Copra San Francisco!   Want more from The Reluctant Somm? 🍷 Join us at an upcoming event!: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/events Free Wine Community Resources: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/community Stay in the loop with our monthly guide & Newsletter: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com Follow us on Instagram: @thereluctantsomm ​ #wine #podcast #interview #indianfood #winepairing #somm #restaurants #hospitality