The Reluctant Somm: Wine & Hospitality Podcast

#27 Will Pye, Wine Director at Prospect Restaurant San Francisco

Join me this week with my great friend Will Pye, a mostly loose conversation but we had fun! We spoke on things like how much we love A. Rafanelli winery, the pre pandemic days, and Will's background which weaved in and out of the back and front of house reaching the heights of Executive Chef and Wine Director. We also did a fun tasting to celebrate Wills return to the podcast!

 

Subscribe to The Reluctant Somm and embark on a taste-filled voyage through the realms of wine and hospitality! Enjoy our complete video podcast on YouTube. Also, be sure to visit our website for an exclusive Member's Experience, like wine reviews, blind tasting and much more!

#26 Matthew Oldenburg, Territory Manager - San Francisco for Springboard Wine & Spirits Company

Join me in conversation with Matthew Oldenburg as we discuss his journey from collegiate beverage classes to a farmers market wine stall to a fated trip to the Mosel Valley and eventually to a wine school taught by THE David Glancy (and beyond). We also briefly touch on natural farming practices, the non drinking culture and how its effecting our industry and the struggle of living and working in San Francisco with all of the "challenges" we face.

 

*Disclaimer: We had a few technical issues playing with some new lenses and with the heatwave in SF the camera kept overheating. Sorry for any confusion and thanks for your support!

Subscribe to The Reluctant Somm and embark on a taste-filled voyage through the realms of wine and hospitality! Enjoy our complete video podcast on YouTube. Also, be sure to visit our website for an exclusive Member's Experience, like wine reviews, blind tasting and much more!

#25 Tyler Canning, Beverage Director of Piccino Restaurant

Join me in conversation with Tyler Canning as we discuss how he got his start in the restaurant industry at the epic Lazy Bear, how coffee was the first beevareg that captured him (something I think most of us need to even function at this point), and how he is now ALSO in wine distribution. It's great to hear his thoughts and his process and I think it helps paint a great picture of thoughtfulness.

 

*Disclaimer: We had a few technical issues playing with some new lenses and with the heatwave in SF the camera kept overheating. Sorry for any confusion and thanks for your support!

 

Subscribe to The Reluctant Somm and embark on a taste-filled voyage through the realms of wine and hospitality! Enjoy our complete video podcast on YouTube. Also, be sure to visit our website for an exclusive Member's Experience, like wine reviews, blind tasting and much more!

#24 Cory Nelund, California Sales Manager for Artemis Domaines

Join me in conversation with Cory Nelund as we discuss his journey from restaurants and bars   to retail to sales and now representing one of the most historically important wineries in Napa Valley, Eisele Vineyard. We take some tangents through sake but circle back to his role with the Artemis Domaines We have known each other for several years now and he is such a class act, I can't wait for you to check it out!

 

Subscribe to The Reluctant Somm and embark on a taste-filled voyage through the realms of wine and hospitality! Enjoy our complete video podcast on YouTube. Also, be sure to visit our website for an exclusive Member's Experience, like wine reviews, blind tasting and much more!

#23 Stefano Biscotto, Northern California Sales Manager at Aspect Fine Wines

Join me in a conversation with Stefano Biscotto as we discuss the ever complicated and evolving landscape that is Italian wine, the flow of business over the years in different markets, and the founding on The Estate Group back in the day at (the now RNDC) Young's. Stefano has been a great mentor to me in my time in wine sales in San Francisco and I'm so happy to share some of hi knowledge with you!

Subscribe to The Reluctant Somm and embark on a taste-filled voyage through the realms of wine and hospitality! Enjoy our complete video podcast on YouTube. Also, be sure to visit our website for an exclusive Member's Experience, like wine reviews, blind tasting and much more!

#22 Arpad Molnar, Co-Founder and Operating Partner of Obsidian Wine Co.

Join me in a conversation with Arpad Molnar where we discuss his families history and their journey from Hungary, the decision to focus on their own barrel cooperage, and the incredible terroir of Lake County and more specifically the vineyard sites they're working with. It was a master class in oak and history and I can't wait for you to give it a listen!

Subscribe to The Reluctant Somm and embark on a taste-filled voyage through the realms of wine and hospitality! Enjoy our complete video podcast on YouTube. Also, be sure to visit our website for an exclusive Member's Experience, like wine reviews, blind tasting and much more!

#21 Christopher Rivera, Director of Operations for Per Diem, Parkside Los Gatos, and Danville Harvest

Join me in a conversation with Christopher Rivera as we talk through his journey from music to restaurants. We discuss what it's like to run so many restaurants, the classic pitfalls of the service industry, and the post pandemic state of the hospitality industry. I can't wait for you to listen to this incredibly authentic podcast!

Subscribe to The Reluctant Somm and embark on a taste-filled voyage through the realms of wine and hospitality! Enjoy our complete video podcast on YouTube. Also, be sure to visit our website for an exclusive Member's Experience, like wine reviews, blind tasting and much more!

#20 Hernan Martinez, General Manager and Beverage Director of Holbrook House

Join me in a conversation with Hernan Martinez as we discuss his journey from film to fine dine. We discuss his time at Holbrook House, Cotogna, EMP (Eleven Madison Park), and beyond. It's so incredible to see how everyone finds there way to wine and I can't wait for you to listen!

Subscribe to The Reluctant Somm and embark on a taste-filled voyage through the realms of wine and hospitality! Enjoy our complete video podcast on YouTube. Also, be sure to visit our website for an exclusive Member's Experience, like wine reviews, blind tasting and much more!

#19 Luca Pasquero Elia, owner of Paitin Winery in Serraboella, Italy

Join me in a conversation with Luca Pasquero Elia as we discuss the history of the estate, his path, and the possible future of the wine industry. This is the second oldest winery in Piedmonte so they've seen it all! It was an incredibly insightful conversation and I can't wait for you all to listen!

Subscribe to The Reluctant Somm and embark on a taste-filled voyage through the realms of wine and hospitality! Enjoy our complete video podcast on YouTube. Also, be sure to visit our website for an exclusive Member's Experience, like wine reviews, blind tasting and much more!

#18 Nori Nakamura, Owner and Winemaker of Noria Wines

Join me in a conversation with Nori Nakamura, the owner and winemaker of Norma Wines based in Berkley California. He walks us through his journey from Japan to the U.S., his time in the Court of Master Sommeliers Japan, and his journey of winemaking. I've been a fan of his wines for quite some time and his thought behind his winemaking is truly unique. Listen to learn more!

Subscribe to The Reluctant Somm and embark on a taste-filled voyage through the realms of wine and hospitality! Enjoy our complete video podcast on YouTube. Also, be sure to visit our website for an exclusive Member's Experience, like wine reviews, blind tasting and much more!