The Back Alleys of Wine & Hospitality
Navigating the culture, the craft, and the chaos of the beverage and restaurant industry. Based in SF.
THE RELUCTANT SOMM EXPERIENCES
We are Christopher and Bianca, husband and wife team with years of industry experience; leading and curating the TRS experiences.
Hospitality is in our blood. After years on the floor, our mission is now to take care of the people who take care of everyone else. We built The Reluctant Somm experiences to be a space for the trade—a place to find community, foster connection, and finally be the ones getting hosted.
-
Trade-level education, decoded. Hosted at our downtown San Francisco headquarters, we facilitate focused deep-dives into iconic regions and producers. We move beyond the tasting notes to explore the history, the politics, and the people behind the bottle.
Every session is led by thoughtful industry leaders and educators chosen to elevate the conversation. Our space is built for this exchange—adapting from 40-seat technical seminars to intimate 12-person discussions.
-
Access for the Network. Curated exclusively for the Sommeliers and Buyers within our 300+ member network. We bridge the gap between top-tier trade professionals and iconic global producers. These aren't tours; they are intimate, boots-on-the-ground experiences designed to foster genuine connection between the people who make the wine and the people who sell it.
-
Wine without the white tablecloth. Casual, high-energy gatherings designed to connect the hospitality community. Whether it's one of our Supper Clubs at our home or a public tasting these events are about popping special corks and building relationships in a relaxed environment. Zero snobbery, just great wine and people.
