TOP 15 SOMMELIERS IN AND AROUND SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco's wine culture continues to flourish, thanks in large part to the city's top sommeliers, who are setting the bar for wine service, education, and innovation. In 2024, these ten sommeliers stand out for their expertise, influence, and passion for the craft.

Here's a look at the top sommeliers who are shaping the wine landscape in San Francisco.

Morgan Harris

Master Sommelier Morgan Harris has spent over 15 years in the restaurant world, from running Michelin-star beverage programs to freelancing for top wine publications. After relocating to San Francisco in 2018, he brings his expertise in beverage management and media, having worked with brands like Wine Folly and Vivino. He's also a key character in the best-seller Cork Dork and now focuses on branding and marketing with OMVino.

Jeremy Shanker

As Corporate Wine Director at Mina Group, he oversees the wine programs for over 30 restaurants across the U.S. His responsibilities include curating, sourcing, and training staff on the finest wines from around the world, all while creating memorable guest experiences. With more than eight years at Mina Group, starting at RN74 and later moving to Michael Mina, he has developed deep expertise in both domestic and global wine markets, with a particular focus on rare and older vintages.

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Paul Baldi

Paul Baldi, originally from the heart of Champagne (yes, that’s Reims, and no, no one says it right), brings a curious and passionate approach to his role as a sommelier. With a background in fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants across France, his love for grower Champagne, Chenin Blanc, and Syrah is unmatched. After first landing in the U.S. in 2018 at San Francisco’s Bar Creen, Paul now works at the Quince, San Francisco. He’s also one of the expert judges for the Sommeliers Choice Awards 2025, adding his refined palate to the competition!

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Thomas Brenner

Thomas Brenner is a multifaceted professional with expertise as a sommelier, wine buyer, beverage consultant, and content creator. He also brings his skills as a FOH manager, documentarian, and wine writer to the table. Passionate about delivering unique wine experiences, Thomas thrives on introducing new, intriguing selections to the wine world. He specializes in crafting innovative beverage programs and developing fresh revenue streams through creative beverage offerings that appeal to a diverse clientele.

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Paul Carayas

Paul Carayas, Wine Director and Sommelier, has been in the hospitality industry for over two decades, with a decade of experience in wine. At Chez TJ, where he’s spent the last four years, Paul has earned the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence since 2016. He’s known for curating a diverse wine list, favoring boutique producers over big-name labels to offer guests unique and hard-to-find selections. Paul is also a Certified Sherry Specialist and North America's first Certified Madeira Wine Educator.

Get to know him better.

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Rajat Parr

A three-time James Beard Award-winning sommelier, Rajat Parr is a legend in the industry. He’s the wine director behind some of the country’s most prestigious wine programs and a partner in multiple wineries including Sandhi Wines and Domaine de la Cote. His contributions to wine education are also notable through his published works.

You can know more about him here.

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Rachel Candelaria

As an ex-sommelier at the Michelin-starred restaurant Spruce, Rachel Candelaria brings both deep knowledge and a nuanced approach to wine pairing. Her certifications and experience at top establishments like Park Tavern have solidified her place among San Francisco’s wine elite. She was also one of the judges for the Sommeliers Choice Awards in 2019.

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Max Coane

A former musician turned sommelier, Max Coane is now the Wine Director at Prime Cellar. His journey from music to wine has been marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge, leading to his position as a leading sommelier in the city. Max was also amongst one of the judges for the Sommeliers Choice Awards in 2019.

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Mark Cartland

Another judge from the 2019 Sommeliers Choice Awards, Mark Cartland, currently at Island Vintage Wine Bar, has a strong background in both the practical and educational aspects of wine. His consultancy, Creative Wine Solutions, has helped many restaurants refine their beverage programs, making him a key figure in the industry.

Luke Kenning

Luke Kenning has been with Farallon Restaurant for more than 15 years, where he had grown from a sommelier to the wine director. His dedication to the craft is evident through his involvement in events like PinotFest and his contributions to wine publications. Luke Kenning has also judged the Sommeliers Choice Awards 2022

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Ian Cauble

One of the youngest Master Sommeliers in the world, Ian Cauble is renowned for his exceptional palate and deep understanding of wine. He co-founded SommSelect, a platform offering curated wine selections, which has become a go-to for wine enthusiasts.

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David Glancy

David Glancy is the founder of the San Francisco Wine School, where he has educated thousands of students. His dual credentials as a Master Sommelier and Certified Wine Educator set him apart as one of the top wine educators in the country. Due to his immense knowledge about wines, David was called to judge this year's Sommeliers Choice Awards

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Emily Wines

A Master Sommelier since 2008, Emily Wines has been a key figure in the industry, particularly known for her work in wine service excellence and her role as a mentor to up-and-coming sommeliers.

Learn more about her here.

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Peter Granoff

As a Master Sommelier and entrepreneur, Peter Granoff has been instrumental in shaping the wine service industry in San Francisco. His educational initiatives and speaking engagements have made him a respected voice in the wine community. In 2024, Peter further solidified his influence by serving as one of the esteemed judges for the Sommeliers Choice Awards. His expertise and discerning palate contributed to selecting the best wines for the year, underscoring his pivotal role in the industry

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Vincent Morrow

Vincent Morrow, the Wine Director at PRESS Napa Valley, has garnered a reputation for his deep understanding of Napa Valley wines and his innovative approach to wine list curation. Vincent moved from Phoenix to California on a soccer scholarship to study at Sonoma State University, where he later focused on wine business strategies and marketing. Alongside his passion for soccer, surfing, and Muay Thai, he pursued wine studies with remarkable dedication. By age 31, he became a Master Sommelier while working at Michelin-starred restaurants.

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To wrap up, San Francisco’s top sommeliers stand out for their exceptional skill and creativity, each bringing their own flair to the city’s vibrant wine scene. Their dedication to their craft, coupled with their innovative approaches to wine selection and service, defines the cutting-edge standards in this iconic wine destination. These sommeliers not only enhance the dining experiences across the city but also drive the evolution of wine culture, making San Francisco a true epicenter of excellence in the world of wine.