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, we sit down with Bay Area native Brooke Lieberwitz, the powerhouse who oversaw it all. From her early days in the local scene to managing beverage programs at Oracle Park and the Exploratorium, Brooke shares her journey navigating the high-pressure world of large-scale hospitality. We delve into the intricate dance of managing huge teams and countless moving parts, highlighting her remarkable ability to maintain calm and focus amidst the energy of thousands of fans. Brooke is now bringing her expertise to Intuit, running their food and beverage program.

Beyond the scale of her previous roles, Brooke also reveals the thoughtful curation behind the Chase Center's wine program, a refreshing commitment to featuring smaller, often local producers – a truly unique approach for such a major venue. Join us for an insightful conversation that explores the challenges and rewards of bringing a personal touch to a grand stage, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the dedication it takes to pour the perfect glass, no matter the size of the crowd.

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From a teenage harvest in Argentina's Calchaqui Valley to a deep immersion in Spanish wines and a dynamic partnership in California's minimal intervention scene, Jehan Hakimian's journey in the wine world is anything but conventional. This week on The Reluctant Somm, we trace Jehan's path, exploring his extensive experience in wine sales and his profound knowledge of Spain's diverse terroir. We also delve into his collaboration with Ryan Stirm in Los Chuchaquis (Quechua for "without legs"!), uncovering their philosophy of crafting sparkling Albariño, Sangiovese, and other unique varietals from old vines with minimal intervention and maximum flavor. Jehan also sheds light on Stirm Wines, Ryan's original label focused on naturally made Riesling and historic Central Coast grapes like Cabernet Pfeffer. Join us for a conversation that bridges continents and winemaking philosophies, revealing the passion and dedication behind these compelling wines.

Want more from The Reluctant Somm? 🍷 Join us at an upcoming event!: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/events

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Discover the captivating journey of Paul Baldi, a Champagne native who honed his craft in the prestigious restaurants of Paris before making his mark in California at Atelier Crenn and The Battery. This episode dives into the exciting evolution within Champagne, the realities of the hospitality industry since the pandemic, and the complexities of wine distribution across the country. Paul also shares the story behind his own Champagne, Champagne Baldi - Pain, and his new venture, Voila Wine, a platform offering a curated selection and expert wine concierge services to make wine discovery approachable and enjoyable.

Want more from The Reluctant Somm? 🍷 Join us at an upcoming event!: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/eventsFree Wine Community Resources: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com/community Stay in the loop with our monthly guide & Newsletter: https://www.thereluctantsomm.com Follow us on Instagram: @thereluctantsomm

#Champagne #CaliforniaWine #HospitalityIndustry #WinePodcast #PaulBaldi #VoilaWine #WineConcierge #AtelierCrenn #TheBatterySF #WineLover #Podcast #Interview