Dan J - Cicerone
Dan fanatic home brewer, turned certified Craft beer professional. As one of only 140 Advanced Cicerones worldwide, Dan loves to share the craft beer tasting experience with any who is interested. He is also a Certified beer judge and has spent dozens of hours judging competitions in his free time.
Dan fanatic home brewer, turned certified Craft beer professional. As one of only 140 Advanced Cicerones worldwide, Dan loves to share the craft beer tasting experience with any who is interested. He is also a Certified beer judge and has spent dozens of hours judging competitions in his free time.
Greg S - Sommelier
Greg is an Advanced Sommelier through The Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas. He is seeking the MS certification and is highly active in the sommelier community in Chicago. Greg’s devoted the last 12 years of his life trying to recreate that feeling for others about wine through education and hospitality. He currently is a Wine Specialist at Vin Chicago and sits on the board of the Second City Sommeliers, a group dedicated to mentorship of wine professionals in tasting, service, and beverage knowledge.
Greg is an Advanced Sommelier through The Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas. He is seeking the MS certification and is highly active in the sommelier community in Chicago. Greg’s devoted the last 12 years of his life trying to recreate that feeling for others about wine through education and hospitality. He currently is a Wine Specialist at Vin Chicago and sits on the board of the Second City Sommeliers, a group dedicated to mentorship of wine professionals in tasting, service, and beverage knowledge.
Sylvia B - Sommelier
Sylvia’s current position at a wine importer and distributor allows for her to work directly with wineries around the world. In 2020 she took an opportunity to spend time working wine harvest in California and assisting in the winemaking process.
Sylvia’s current position at a wine importer and distributor allows for her to work directly with wineries around the world. In 2020 she took an opportunity to spend time working wine harvest in California and assisting in the winemaking process.
Nate W - Mixologist
Nate is a mixologist and beverage professional who has been crafting libations for more than 20 years. His work experience includes high-volume, craft cocktail programs, directing beverage programs at a high-end steakhouse, and serving as brand ambassador specialist with William Grant & Sons.
Nate is a mixologist and beverage professional who has been crafting libations for more than 20 years. His work experience includes high-volume, craft cocktail programs, directing beverage programs at a high-end steakhouse, and serving as brand ambassador specialist with William Grant & Sons.
Sarah B - Sommelier
Sarah achieved her Certified Sommelier certification in July 2014. After a life spent in Alaska, Sarah relocated to Chicago to hone her skills as a sommelier. There she worked in fine wine sales, catering mainly to Michelin Star restaurants.
Sarah achieved her Certified Sommelier certification in July 2014. After a life spent in Alaska, Sarah relocated to Chicago to hone her skills as a sommelier. There she worked in fine wine sales, catering mainly to Michelin Star restaurants.
Rebekah M - Sommelier
Rebekah earned her certifications with the Court of Master Sommeliers, where she received the highest score in her class and Level Three with the Wine Spirit and Education Trust. She has been in the wine industry for close to a decade and is currently immersed in the studies of wine production.
Rebekah earned her certifications with the Court of Master Sommeliers, where she received the highest score in her class and Level Three with the Wine Spirit and Education Trust. She has been in the wine industry for close to a decade and is currently immersed in the studies of wine production.
Mandy S - Sommelier
Mandy is a Certified Sommelier and Advanced Candidate through the Court of Master Sommeliers of America and also holds her WSET 3. As Wine Director of Del Frisco’s Double Eagle in Los Angeles, she has won the Best of Award of Excellence in both 2019 and 2020.
Mandy is a Certified Sommelier and Advanced Candidate through the Court of Master Sommeliers of America and also holds her WSET 3. As Wine Director of Del Frisco’s Double Eagle in Los Angeles, she has won the Best of Award of Excellence in both 2019 and 2020.
Wanda C - Sommelier
Wanda’s wine education includes an Advanced Sommelier Certification from The Court of Master Sommeliers. She’s been fortunate to have worked for many of Chicago’s world-class establishments and institutions including ¡Salpicón!, Mercat a la Planxa, NaHa, and BR Guest Restaurants.
Wanda’s wine education includes an Advanced Sommelier Certification from The Court of Master Sommeliers. She’s been fortunate to have worked for many of Chicago’s world class establishments and institutions including ¡Salpicón!, Mercat a la Planxa, NaHa, andBR Guest Restaurants.
Ryan B - Sommelier
In 2010, Ryan moved to Paris with his wife and adopted the same love for wine and food that permeates the local French culture. Notable positions include the Beverage Director of The Girl and the Goat, and the lead sommelier for Margeaux Brasserie, Waldorf Astoria Chicago.
In 2010, Ryan moved to Paris with his wife and adopted the same love for wine and food that permeates the local French culture. Notable positions include the Beverage Director of The Girl and the Goat, and the lead sommelier for Margeaux Brasserie, Waldorf Astoria Chicago.
Beau F - Cicerone
Beau is an Advanced Cicerone (Cicerone Certification Program) and Certified Bourbon Steward (Stave & Thief) along with being a Certified Cider Professional (USACM). Beau has judged dozens of competitions as a certified beer judge and is a panel member at the Beverage Testing Institute in Chicago with a focus on craft beer.
Beau is an Advanced Cicerone (Cicerone Certification Program) and Certified Bourbon Steward (Stave & Thief) along with being a Certified Cider Professional (USACM). Beau has judged dozens of competitions as a certified beer judge and is a panel member at the Beverage Testing Institute in Chicago with a focus on craft beer.
Scott H - Sommelier
Scott has completed four levels of training with the International Sommelier Guild and brings a wealth of experience to his tastings. Scott has a passion for curating impressive wine lists and his restaurant experience includes the Charles Cohen Hotel Group as well as consulting on all aspects of the two Michelin-Starred Acadia Restaurant in Chicago.
Scott has completed four levels of training with the International Sommelier Guild and brings a wealth of experience to his tastings. Scott has a passion for curating impressive wine lists and his restaurant experience includes the Charles Cohen Hotel Group as well as consulting on all aspects of the two Michelin-Starred Acadia Restaurant in Chicago.
Matt S - Mixologist
Matt is a classically trained beverage educator, cocktail writer, and restaurant consultant who is dedicated to creating unique cocktails and colorful food pairings. With more than a decade of experience behind the bar, he has extensive knowledge of spirits and mixology. His daring palate has led him to try nearly everything out there.
Matt is a classically trained beverage educator, cocktail writer, and restaurant consultant who is dedicated to creating unique cocktails and colorful food pairings. With more than a decade of experience behind the bar, he has extensive knowledge of spirits and mixology. His daring palate has led him to try nearly everything out there.
Ryan R - Sommelier
Ryan brings more than two decades of experience in the food and beverage industry, and the honor of being named an Advanced Sommelier, with the Court of Master Sommeliers. Ryan was awarded ‘Fan Favorite’ in the 2016 Somms Under Fire and brings his wealth of knowledge and deep love for wine to his tastings with Bottles Nation.
Ryan brings more than two decades of experience in the food and beverage industry, and the honor of being named an Advanced Sommelier, with the Court of Master Sommeliers. Ryan was awarded ‘Fan Favorite’ in the 2016 Somms Under Fire and brings his wealth of knowledge and deep love for wine to his tastings with Bottles Nation.
Olivia N - Sommelier
Olivia has been enthralled with the hospitality industry since her first experience with fine dining in High School. She’s spent time at well-loved establishments like Le Bernardin (New York City), Sepia, and Sofitel (Chicago).
Olivia has been enthralled with the hospitality industry since her first experience with fine dining in High School. She’s spent time at well-loved establishments like Le Bernardin (New York City), Sepia, and Sofitel (Chicago).