The Reluctant Somm: Wine & Hospitality Podcast

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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

Aug 6, 2024

#16 Shelley Lindgren, Owner Operator of the A16 Group, Tansy and Author

Aug 6, 2024

1hr 18 min

Join me in a conversation with Shelley Lindgren a restauranteur, author, and owner of Tansy Winery. We discuss her journey and passion for Southern Italian wines, her many ventures in the restaurant space, her third book, and her winery Tansley. There's so many more questions I have for her and I can't wait to have her back!

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!

Jul 30, 2024

#15 Morgan Harris, Master Sommelier

Jul 30, 2024

1hr 29 min

Join me in a conversation with Morgan Harris as we discuss his journey becoming a Master Sommelier, the state of the service industry, and the actual costs of dining in a restaurant. I am so grateful for his time and this is an episode not to miss!

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!

Jul 23, 2024

#14 David Kolvek, Wine Director of Sons & Daughters

Jul 23, 2024

1hr 49 min

Join me in a conversation with David Kolvek as we discuss how he handles working on his Advanced Somm and WSET Diploma at the same time. We also discuss how he pairs with the New Nordic Cuisine at Sons & Daughters and his unique way of formatting his wine list!

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!

Jul 16, 2024

#13 Matteo Atzori, Wine Director of The Montesacro Restaurant Group

Jul 16, 2024

1hr 26 min

Join me in a conversation with Matteo Atzori as we discuss his journey from Sardinia to San Francisco and all the stops in between. We touch on how amazing San Francisco wine and food industry is and was, the natural wine scene in Italy, and the wines of Southern Sardinia. We also discuss the path less taken and just how rewarding it can be.

Jul 9, 2024

#12 Kayla Pope, General Manager of Angler SF

Jul 9, 2024

1hr 33 min

Join me in a conversation with Kayla Pope, Certified Sommelier and all around great person. We discuss her journey before and after we met at Ozumo, her journey through The Court of Master Sommeliers, and our favorite things about the service industry.

Jul 2, 2024

#11 Tony Kim, WSET Diploma and Sales Rep in San Francisco

Jul 2, 2024

1hr 26 min

Join me in a conversation with Tony Kim, a San Francisco based sales rep with a ton of service industry experience. We discuss the past and present of San Francisco, possible cures, and TCA in baby carrots (WHAT!?). I had a blast and I cant wait to do it again

Jun 25, 2024

#10 Chris Tarbell, Wine Director for Fiorella Restaurant Group

Jun 25, 2024

1hr 16 min

Join me in a conversation with Chris Tarbell, the Wine Director for the Fiorella Restaurant Group here in San Francisco. Follow along as we discuss all the moving pieces of working in restaurants, wine exposure in a major city, and the evolution of the hospitality industry.

Jun 18, 2024

#9 Scott Shapley, Winemaker of ROAR Winery

Jun 18, 2024

58 min

Join me in a conversation with Scott Shapley the winemaker of ROAR Winery in Santa Lucia Highlands. We discuss the region, its climate, and a bit of Scotts background. It's a blast and the wines are as stunning as ever, ya gotta try them!

Jun 11, 2024

#8 Grant Coulter, Winemaker and Owner of Hundred Suns Wine

Jun 11, 2024

42 min

Join me in a conversation with Grant as we talk about the history of the winery and the journey that let he and Renee to it. A decorated past and a leap of faith, these wines continue to gain international steam and are quickly being recognized for their quality and integrity.

Jun 4, 2024

#7 Alex Hawes, Wine Director of Alexanders Steakhouse SF

Jun 4, 2024

1hr 10 min

Join me in a conversation with Alex Hawes the Lead Somm of Alexander's Steakhouse San Francisco. We talk about his path, parings, and passion in wine. The restaurant industry is a crazy place but man does it make great connections!