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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 Oct 15, 2024
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
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!

Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
#25 Tyler Canning, Beverage Director of Piccino Restaurant
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
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!

Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
#24 Cory Nelund, California Sales Manager for Artemis Domaines
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
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!

Tuesday Sep 24, 2024
#23 Stefano Biscotto, Northern California Sales Manager at Aspect Fine Wines
Tuesday Sep 24, 2024
Tuesday Sep 24, 2024
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!

Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
#22 Arpad Molnar, Co-Founder and Operating Partner of Obsidian Wine Co.
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
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!

Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
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!

Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
#20 Hernan Martinez, General Manager and Beverage Director of Holbrook House
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
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!

Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
#19 Luca Pasquero Elia, owner of Paitin Winery in Serraboella, Italy
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
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!

Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
#18 Nori Nakamura, Owner and Winemaker of Noria Wines
Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
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!

Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
#17 Massimo Alois, owner of Campania based winery Cantine Michele Alois
Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
Join me in a conversation with Massimo Alois as we discuss the incredible region of Campania, the fascinating indigenous varieties from there, and the challenges being faced by producers of "lesser known" regions. It's great to be able to discuss Campania more extensively with a pro like this, I'm so appreciative!
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!