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LEADING SOMMELIERS IN CHICAGO
The Wine Wizards Behind Your Favorite Glasses!
Chicago’s food scene is renowned for its innovation, and at the core of its dining excellence are the city’s top sommeliers. These experts go beyond just selecting wines; they craft experiences that elevate every meal, introducing diners to rare vintages and exciting new labels. Their deep knowledge and passion for wine have shaped Chicago into a hub for wine enthusiasts.
In this blog, we spotlight the leading sommeliers in Chicago for 2024, each bringing their unique expertise and creativity to the city's vibrant wine culture. From veteran professionals to rising stars, these sommeliers are redefining what it means to enjoy wine in the Windy City.
Brian is the driving force behind Maverick Beverage Company in Chicago, where his 25-year career in food and beverage speaks volumes. A Master Sommelier—one of only 269 worldwide—Brian is known for his strategic vision and gracious hospitality that delivers results. He’s not just a leader but a mentor, shaping the next generation of F&B talent while boosting business through innovative concepts. Brian’s deep industry connections and expertise in training have made him a standout, and this year, he served as a judge for the prestigious Sommeliers Choice Awards.
Image Credit - Sommeliers Choice Awards
Kristin Francesco's journey in hospitality began in high school and evolved through her studies at Loyola University. After earning a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, her passion for food and wine took her on a life-changing trip to Paris and Burgundy in 2017. This experience solidified her dedication to wine, leading her to join Lettuce Entertain You, where she has grown from a Cellar Assistant to a Sommelier at RPM Seafood and RPM Steak. Kristin's expertise in wine has also earned her a spot as a judge for the Sommeliers Choice Awards 2024.
Image Credit - Sommeliers Choice Awards
Rachel Lowe, Director of Beverage at Levy Restaurants, earned a Rudd Scholarship for top scores in the Advanced Sommelier exam in 2009. She has led wine programs at Trump International Hotel, Naha, and Brindille, and gained experience at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon and French Laundry. Her passion for wine was sparked by Turley Zinfandel, with a favorite being Armand Rousseau Clos St Jacques’ Gevrey-Chambertin 1999.
Read more about her here.
Image Credit - Wine and Whiskey Globe
Alpana Singh
Alpana Singh made history as the world's first female South Asian Master Sommelier at just 26. She’s a businesswoman, TV host of Check, Please! on Channel 11, and renowned for her wine expertise. Singh founded The Boarding House in 2012, Seven Lions (now closed) in 2015, and Terra & Vine in 2016. She’s also a sought-after speaker on wine history and culture and shares her knowledge on her blog, The Daily Delicious.
Image Credit - Alpana Singh
At Swift & Sons Steakhouse in Chicago, Anika Ellison, a Level 2 sommelier certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers, plays a key role as Wine Manager, expertly selecting and pairing wines with the restaurant’s renowned steaks. Swift & Sons is acclaimed for its premium dining experience and exceptional wine program. Anika’s expertise was also highlighted through her role as a judge at the Sommeliers Choice Awards 2024, where she contributed her insights to evaluating the best sommeliers from around the globe.
Image Credit - Chefs Roll
In the early 1980s, Dame, then cellar master at The Sardine Factory in Monterey, introduced the Master Sommelier certification to the U.S. After learning about it in England and studying on his own, he founded the American chapter of the Court of Master Sommeliers in 1987. Dame's work aimed to find and nurture the best sommeliers, emphasizing the importance of pursuing one's passion in the industry.
Image Credit - Forbes
Certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers, Ryan has a strong foundation in wine and enjoys exploring new varieties and unique wines. Ryan is the District Manager at Terlato Wines, significantly enhancing the brand's reputation by pushing the boundaries of their wine offerings. Under his leadership, the company has seen a boost in both quality and innovation.
Image Credit - Sommeliers Choice Awards
Josh King, a general manager and sommelier with a Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Administration/Management from Westwood College-Los Angeles, is skilled in team-building, food and beverage management, and budgeting. His expertise extends to serving as a judge at the Sommeliers Choice Awards 2024, showcasing his industry knowledge and dedication to excellence
Image Credit - LinkedIn
Fredrickson became a Master Sommelier in 2000, earning acclaim for his wine programs with top chefs like Charlie Trotter. His ranching background gave him a unique understanding of complex scents. He founded renowned restaurants including Koshu and Restaurant Terroir in Jackson, Wyoming, and Adega Restaurant and Wine Bar in Denver. Fredrickson is a founding partner in Tokiwa Imports, Laika Spirits, Family Tradition Cognac, and Rahi Imports, all part of High Road Spirits. He also owns Tenzing, a distribution company serving restaurants and retailers.
Image Credit - Ken Fredickson
Jim is the Wine Director at Hogsalt in Chicago, managing wine for 20 restaurants. Formerly a GM at Mercantile Dining and Provision, he has a background in management and importing. Jim is known for his mentorship and organizing a major wine boot camp. He’s also a Board member of the Second City Sommeliers Tasting group, a 2016 TopSomm second-place finisher, 2017 Guildsomm Online Competition winner, and recently worked the harvest at Argyle winery.
Know more about him here.
Image Credit - Master Sommeliers
In conclusion, the top sommeliers of Chicago exemplify a deep passion for wine and a commitment to excellence. From their diverse backgrounds and impressive achievements to their influential roles in shaping the city's vibrant wine scene, these sommeliers not only elevate the dining experience but also contribute significantly to the industry. Their expertise, dedication, and innovative approaches make them standouts in the world of wine, continuing to inspire and set new standards for sommeliers everywhere.
