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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
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