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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 Mar 25, 2025
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
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
Monday Mar 17, 2025
Monday Mar 17, 2025
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
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
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
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
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
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
What does it take to build a lasting legacy in the world of wine? On this episode of The Reluctant Somm, we explore the "Ramey" approach with Claire Ramey of Ramey Wines. We delve into the generational shifts shaping the industry, the meticulous farming practices that define their wines, and the importance of teamwork and leadership in the trenches. Discover how Ramey Wines is balancing tradition with innovation, crafting exceptional wines while staying true to their family values. A must-listen for wine enthusiasts and anyone interested in the business of building a successful brand.
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 #femalewinemaker #womeninwine #napavalley #rameywines #winemaking #winepodcast #familybusiness #generationalshifts #meticulousfarming #claireRamey #thereluctantsomm #leadership #teamwork
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
This week, we spoke with Timothy Hinueber, the general manager of Roaming Goat in San Francisco, who’s redefining what it means to run a wine bar. Timothy shared his thoughts on building genuine trust with guests and creating an experience that keeps people coming back. We explored his deep appreciation for the wines of the Caucasus Mountains and the wildly deep history of the winemaking in those regions. If you’re interested in how hospitality and innovation can work together, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
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: @reluctantsomm
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of selling Brian Terrizzi's exceptional wines, but it was truly special to finally sit down with him and gain a deeper understanding of the vision and dedication behind Giornata Wines and Etto Pasta. Brian and Stephy’s passion doesn’t stop there—they also run a fantastic restaurant and are set to release a cookbook soon! It was exciting to catch up on all their incredible ventures, and I can’t wait to see the amazing achievements they’ll continue to bring to life.
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: @reluctantsomm
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
In this episode of The Reluctant Somm, we chat with Ryan Torres, a talented sommelier from Niku Steakhouse in San Francisco. Ryan shares his journey from theatre kid to wine expert, revealing how his acting background has shaped his approach to restaurant service. We also discuss the current state of San Francisco and city life, exploring how it impacts the restaurant scene and the role of hospitality in the city. Finally, Ryan shares his insights on challenged vintages, those wines often overlooked but can still deliver exceptional quality. Join us for a fascinating conversation about the intersection of theatre, wine, and the art of service.
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: @reluctantsomm
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Dive into an extraordinary episode featuring Dan Petroski, the trailblazing winemaker and founder of Massican. Known for crafting bright, refreshing, and accessible wines, Dan takes us deep into the philosophy behind the "Massican Lifestyle." Discover how his innovative approach is challenging conventions and ushering in a new era for the wine industry. But this episode goes far beyond wine. We explore Dan's remarkable personal journey, from his beginnings in the industry to becoming a leading voice for modern winemaking. Plus, we tackle cutting-edge topics like NFTs, blockchain technology, and the metaverse, and how these groundbreaking innovations could transform the world of wine and beyond. Whether you're a wine lover, tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the intersection of tradition and innovation, this episode delivers an inspiring blend of stories, insights, and forward-thinking ideas. Tune in and experience the future through Dan Petroski's unique lens.
#DanPetroski #MassicanWines #MassicanLifestyle #FutureOfWine #InnovativeWinemaking #ModernWineCulture #WineInnovation#WineTech #WineNFTs#BlockchainAndWine #MetaverseAndWine #WineIndustryTrends #WinemakingJourney #TechMeetsWine #DigitalWineRevolution #WineLoversUnite #CreativeWinemaking #SustainableWine #NextGenWine #WineAndTech #ExploringWineCulture #BlockchainInnovation #MetaverseExploration #WinePioneers #WineVisionary
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: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com
Follow us on Instagram: @reluctantsomm
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
The New Era of Hospitality: How We Use Restaurant Skills to Escape the Grind: Bianca Finley - The Reluctant Somm Podcast Season 3 Episode 1 We all know what it's like working a double and having to open the next day right... right?? The hospitality industry is a beautiful and fickle beast, jump in! About this episode: In this episode Bianca and I discuss what's been on our minds recently. The conversation starts with Champagne and French fries, goes through the tough year that was 2024, and gives some insight into all of the other things we're up to. One of the things we also discuss is the deep love and drama we have with the hospitality business and how that's shaped us (for better or for worse). About our guest: Bianca is the other half of this podcast, the new look... her, the improved audio... her, the new camera... her. She has a very extensive track record in the hospitality industry, wine industry, and is also a marketing wiz!
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: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com
Follow us on Instagram: @reluctantsomm