The Reluctant Somm: Wine & Hospitality Podcast
Episodes
Joel Arias: On the Grit of Hospitality and the Mission’s Blank Canvas
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joel Arias has spent half his life in restaurants. From working on cruise ships to serving in the world-renowned kitchens of Peru, he has lived the fu...
Expanding the Palate: Kayne Guzowski on the New Frontier of California Wine.
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
"The more you learn, the bigger the world gets." In this episode, Kayne Guzowski of Merchants of Thirst and Deux Punx shares his journey through the e...
The Sommelier Who Cultivates Curiosity: Danny Alday on Natural Wine, and Subverting Expectations
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this insightful conversation, we sit down with Danny Alday, the Wine Director for Verjus (sister restaurant to Quince and Cotogna in San Francisco)...
The Fire Where Professionals Thrive: A Conversation with Anissa Dingle (Dingle's Public House)
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful discussion, Anissa Dingle and I sit down to discuss the launch of one of San Francisco's most anticipated new restaurants, Dingle's P...
Joe Lopez: Art, Agave, and the Integrity of Craft Spirits
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The system is designed to prey on consumers. In one of the most honest and uncompromising conversations on The Reluctant Somm, Agave Authority Joe Lop...
From Fast Food to Fine Dining: Danny Mastropierro on Navigating the Restaurant Industry
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How does working the drive-thru window at Culver's prepare you to become a Restaurant General Manager and Wine Director? In this honest conversatio...
Caleb McArthur on the Demanding Work of Hospitality, from a Michelin-Star "Dojo" to a Grand Award
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In an industry often defined by accolades, what is the real work? We sat down with Caleb McArthur, Lead Sommelier of the Grand Award-winning Selby's, ...
On the Floor with Tommy Laurel: A Conversation on Hospitality and Heart
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of The Reluctant Somm, I sit down with Tommy Laurel, a sommelier at Lazy Bear in San Francisco. We talk about the hard work and fierce...
Beyond the Score: Alder Yarrow on Wine's Conduit for Connection
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we sit down with Alder Yarrow, a celebrated voice in the wine world who has built his reputation on curiosity, integrity, and a deep-seated...
The Sommelier's Garden
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we sit down with Corey Reis, the thoughtful and resilient Wine Director of Be.Steak.A in Campbell. In a deeply personal conversation, Corey...
The Author & The Sommelier: Defining Wine in the Modern Era
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I sit down with the passionate Zoltan Csaba Nagy, a renowned Sommelier and the author of the award-winning book Wine Queens. He is al...
Never Under Estimate Yourself: A Pushback Against the Old Guard in the Wine Industry
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Season 4 of The Reluctant Somm. This is the conversation we’ve needed to have with you. In our most honest episode yet, Chris sits down w...
The Wine Journey Never Ends: Paul Carayas, North America's Only Certified Madeira Educator
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this insightful episode, we sit down with Paul Carayas from Saison Wine Bar, an esteemed professional and the only Certified Madeira Wine Educator ...
Wine, Beer & Beginnings: Lauren Loiselle's SF Reflections
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this heartfelt episode, as she prepares to leave San Francisco, we sit down with Lauren Loiselle, a talented sommelier and Cicerone. Lauren's rich ...
Rooted in Purpose: Ali Verburg on Family, Humanity, and South African Wine
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Reluctant Somm, we travel to South Africa (figuratively!) to sit down with Ali Verburg, the second generation now at the helm of Ludd...
Jordan Abraham Across Coasts & Cultures: Jordan Abraham's Path to The Wild & Yokai
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
San Francisco's vibrant restaurant scene is built on the passion and hard work of individuals with diverse backgrounds, and this week on The Reluctant...
Beyond Game Day: Brooke Lieberwitz on Big Venue Hospitality in the Bay
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wonder what it takes to run the massive food and beverage program at a venue like San Francisco's Chase Center? This week on The Reluctant Somm, ...
From "Without Legs" to Wine Legs: Jehan Hakimian's Journey Through Spain & California
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From a teenage harvest in Argentina's Calchaqui Valley to a deep immersion in Spanish wines and a dynamic partnership in California's minimal interven...
Champagne Roots, California Dreams: Paul Baldi's Journey
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the captivating journey of Paul Baldi, a Champagne native who honed his craft in the prestigious restaurants of Paris before making his mark ...
Hella Chenin Fest: A Global Celebration of Chenin Blanc & Community
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Chris for a conversation with Peter Andrews, founder of Culture Wine Co. a fantastic South African import book, as they delve into the fascinatin...
The Human Element in Hospitality: Chef Celtin on Family, Food & Breaking the Fourth Walls at Prelude
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this insightful episode, we sit down with the incredibly talented Chef Celtin Hendrickson of Prelude, a restaurant recently acknowledged with a Mic...
From Dive Master to Beverage Director: The Journey Behind the List
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From a high school gig at a local Mexican joint to working in a restaurant in Honduras while diving the depths of its reefs, Adam Robins' path to beve...
Michelin, Burnout, and a New Look at Hospitality with Adrien Chan
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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,...
The Grit Behind the Glass
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Second Generation Preparing the Third, A Conversation About the Future
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Franscioni family is synonymous with the Santa Lucia Highlands. Nick Franscioni joined us this week and gave us great understanding of the history...
An Unconventional Approach to pairing with The Wonders of Southern Indian Cuisine
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
A Modern "Ramey" Approach: Generational Shifts, Meticulous Farming, and Leading in the Trenches with Claire Ramey
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 R...
Armenian Wine Buzz: Inside a busy SF Wine Bar, Roaming Goat
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. T...
Paso Robles' Winemaker & Pasta King's Vision of Sustainability: Italian vino & Healthy School Meals
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 hi...
The Art of Service: Theatre Skills That Translate to the Restaurant Floor
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 f...
The Massican Lifestyle: Dan Petroski's Vision for the Future of Wine
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dive into an extraordinary episode featuring Dan Petroski, the trailblazing winemaker and founder of Massican. Known for crafting bright, refreshing, ...
The New Era of Hospitality: How We Use Restaurant Skills to Escape the Grind | TRS Podcast
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 kno...
#36 Ramzi Budayr, Owner and Operator of Dolores Deluxe
28 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This weeks episode I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ramzi the owner and operator of Dolores Deluxe AND the host of the Forever Neighbor Podcast...
#35 Derek Weinman, Chef
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week I sat with my friend Derek who I met back in my Boulevard days. Aside from discussing how grateful we are for our time there we also spoke a...
#34 Josh Shapiro, Partner at Flatiron Wines and Spirits San Francisco
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this weeks episode I chat with Josh Shapiro the opening partner of Flatiron Wines and Spirits in San Francisco, a quintessential wine shop in the B...
#33 Catching Up With Chris, A Word From Your Host
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Just wanted to catch up with you guys and let you know how things are going for us here at the podcast! It's very much a flow of thought and I touch o...
#32 Lalo Luevano, Owner of Bodega, Key Klub, and Celeste wine bars in San Francisco
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week I'm very excited to have Lala Luevano on the podcast. He currently runs three very successful wine bars throughout San Francisco, and has be...
#31 Jordan Hobro, Advanced Sommelier at Spruce Restaurant San Francisco
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week I got to sit with Jordan who I met on my recent trip to Spain. Jordan is a Northern California native and aside from discussing is journey t...
#30 Drew Tobin, Sales Manager for the Aspect division of Breakthru Beverage Group
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join me this week with Drew Tobin as we discuss him growing up in The Netherlands, Whisk(e)y, and the evolving luxury market of wines. We also spend a...
#29 Donald Hout, Sales at Arlequin Wine Merchant
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join me this week with Donald Hout as we discuss his journey from going to college for computer science to falling in love with wine! We also talk abo...
#28 James Tran, Co-owner at Artisan Wines in Mountain View California
02 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join me this week with James Tran who I met recently on a trip to Spain! We talk about the retail world of things and he helps me understand much more...
#27 Will Pye, Wine Director at Prospect Restaurant San Francisco
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 win...
#26 Matthew Oldenburg, Territory Manager - San Francisco for Springboard Wine & Spirits Company
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 tr...
#25 Tyler Canning, Beverage Director of Piccino Restaurant
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 fir...
#24 Cory Nelund, California Sales Manager for Artemis Domaines
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 mos...
#23 Stefano Biscotto, Northern California Sales Manager at Aspect Fine Wines
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
#22 Arpad Molnar, Co-Founder and Operating Partner of Obsidian Wine Co.
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 b...
#21 Christopher Rivera, Director of Operations for Per Diem, Parkside Los Gatos, and Danville Harvest
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 r...
#20 Hernan Martinez, General Manager and Beverage Director of Holbrook House
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 (...
#19 Luca Pasquero Elia, owner of Paitin Winery in Serraboella, Italy
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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. Thi...
#18 Nori Nakamura, Owner and Winemaker of Noria Wines
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
#17 Massimo Alois, owner of Campania based winery Cantine Michele Alois
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join me in a conversation with Massimo Alois as we discuss the incredible region of Campania, the fascinating indigenous varieties from there, and the...
#16 Shelley Lindgren, Owner Operator of the A16 Group, Tansy and Author
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join me in a conversation with Shelley Lindgren a restauranteur, author, and owner of Tansy Winery. We discuss her journey and passion for Southern It...
#15 Morgan Harris, Master Sommelier
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
#14 David Kolvek, Wine Director of Sons & Daughters
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 discu...
#13 Matteo Atzori, Wine Director of The Montesacro Restaurant Group
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 am...
#12 Kayla Pope, General Manager of Angler SF
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, h...
#11 Tony Kim, WSET Diploma and Sales Rep in San Francisco
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
#10 Chris Tarbell, Wine Director for Fiorella Restaurant Group
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 al...
#9 Scott Shapley, Winemaker of ROAR Winery
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 S...
#8 Grant Coulter, Winemaker and Owner of Hundred Suns Wine
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 le...
#7 Alex Hawes, Wine Director of Alexanders Steakhouse SF
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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....
#6 John Skupny, Owner and Winemaker of Lang & Reed Winery
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are delighted to sit down with John Skupny, the co-founder of Lange & Reed Winery, a name synonymous with excellence in the wi...
#5 Vince Correnti, General Manager of Trattoria Contadina
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join me in a conversation with my friend Vince as we talk about hospitality, his recent trip to New York, and some of his favorite places in the North...
#4 Will Henry, Co-Winemaker and Owner of Lumen Wines
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join me in a conversation with Will Henry and his full circle story of his journey through the wine industry. We also discuss natural wines with sulfi...
#3 Marissa Payne, Certified Somm and Sales Rep in San Francisco
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join me in a conversation with Marissa Payne, a wine sales professional, about the past, present, and future of the San Francisco hospitality industry...
#2 Genaro Gallo, Wine Director at 8 Tables by George Chen
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join me in a conversation with Genaro Gallo as we discuss his upbringing in the wine and hospitality industry in Spain, his path to the US, and his pr...
#1 Premiere Episode: Meet the team behind The Reluctant Somm
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're finally back and very excited for our new interview format! Each episode will be an interview with a wine or hospitality professional focused on...