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Tired of the same polished surface? Welcome to The Reluctant Somm, your unconventional podcast navigating the back alleys of hospitality and the real stories behind every bottle of wine. We’re not here to romanticize the grind. Host Christopher Truitt, an experienced sommelier with a crucial Front-of-House (FOH) perspective, pulls back the curtain on the messy, chaotic, and exhilarating world of the wine and hospitality industry – from the demanding restaurant floor and the depths of the cellar to the unpredictable vineyards. This is your invitation to go beyond the perfectly plated dishes. We’re diving deep into the real talk of hospitality: the long nights, the challenging customers, the spilled drinks, the unpredictable harvests, and that never-ending quest for the perfect vintage. Christopher shares candid conversations and untold stories from the sommeliers, chefs, winemakers, and other dedicated food and wine professionals who live it every day. Explore the true wine culture, understand the sommelier life, and get an uncensored look at the wine industry through engaging storytelling and Christopher’s fifteen years of experience in competitive markets like Houston, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Whether you’re a wine novice curious about the real stories, an industry veteran nodding along, or someone aspiring to a career in wine or restaurants, The Reluctant Somm offers a unique blend of insider insights, wine knowledge shared through authentic experiences, and sheer entertainment. Join us as we explore what makes wine so damn good, the people behind the label, and the moments that make you question your sanity, only to remind you why you truly love this industry. If you crave authentic food and wine narratives and a genuine look at behind the scenes wine and restaurant life, you’ve found your podcast.
Episodes
Tuesday Jun 03, 2025
Tuesday Jun 03, 2025
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? 🍷
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#PaulCarayas #SaisonWineBar #MadeiraWineEducator #SommelierLife #WineJourney #Coravin #WinePairing #OystersAndMadeira #WinePodcast #TheReluctantSomm #HospitalityIndustry #WineCommunity #WineEducation #WineLovers #Interview
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Tuesday May 27, 2025
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
Tuesday May 20, 2025
Tuesday May 20, 2025
This week on The Reluctant Somm, we travel to South Africa (figuratively!) to sit down with Ali Verburg, the second generation now at the helm of Luddite Wines and Saboteur Wines. Ali’s life has been intrinsically linked to the vineyard, growing up deeply immersed in her family's winemaking journey in the Bot River region.
Ali shares the compelling story of her parents, Niels and Penny, who, after meeting at Elsenburg Agricultural College and gaining international winemaking experience across France, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, and Greece, finally found their home on a small farm in South Africa. We delve into Ali's own global harvest experiences, from Michigan to St. Emilion and the Rheinhessen, which have shaped her unique perspective. Beyond the grapes, we explore Luddite’s distinctive philosophy – a commitment to human connection and employment in an increasingly automated world. Ali discusses their experimental grape varieties and how, in an industry often embracing new technologies, Luddite intentionally champions the vital role of people in crafting their wines, offering a thoughtful counterpoint to the march of automation.
Tune in for an insightful conversation about family legacy, global winemaking adventures, and the surprisingly human-centric approach behind some of South Africa’s most 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 #southafrica #ludditewines #saboteurwines #aliverburg #botriver #winemaking #familywinery #hospitality #wineindustry #humanity #automation #experimentalgrapes #generationalstory
Tuesday May 13, 2025
Tuesday May 13, 2025
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
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
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
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
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
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
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
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
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
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
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
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
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