Jake discovered wine in college while studying Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Houston. This first experience illuminated the way wine can be expressive of where it comes from, and encompass all of the people, geology, and history that came before. That Wine Appreciation elective changed the trajectory of his life. Jake was hooked, and became obsessed with wine, shifting his studies to focus on the beverage world.
Jake’s early career and travels brought him fresh perspectives on wine and life as he gained experience as a steakhouse sommelier, bartender, retailer, and even a brewery manager. When the opportunity to be a sommelier at Daishō, one of the four Momofuku restaurants in Toronto, came around – he pounced. The opportunity to flex the full range of Jake’s skills was fully realized. Often in a whimsically themed t-shirt while working the restaurant floor, he sold wine to all types of guests. From high-powered business meals to diners inexperienced with Daishō’s eclectic wine list, his approachability and knowledge had people asking for him, telling their servers to “send over the wine guy in the Muppet t-shirt.”
When it came time to return to the states, he continued with Momofuku, where he quickly took over as the Corporate Beverage Director. Jake’s tenure with the company coincided with their massive expansion, where he opened numerous restaurants with their own unique beverage programs throughout the US and Canada – including LA, Las Vegas, D. C., Toronto, and New York.
Eventually, the retail world beckoned. Working at one of New York’s small and dynamic retailers put him back in front of people where his approachability sang yet again. He was able to cultivate relationships with regulars, guiding them along their own wine journey. A stint at the esteemed Rare Wine Co. brought that experience digitally to a nationwide audience selling some of the most sought after wines in the world.
Now, Jake is thrilled to be joining Schatzi where he will be bringing people wines that are transportative, transparent and thoughtfully grown. The same type of wines that changed the trajectory of Jake’s life so many years ago. After all, wine is a journey and should be approachable to anyone. And the best thing to do is encourage that journey by pouring someone a glass, and letting them experience that moment themselves.