A native of Montana, David Reuss began his hospitality career in 2014 at Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder, Colorado, working for Bobby Stuckey. He later became Wine Director of Shanahan’s Steakhouse in the Denver Tech Center. He passed his Advanced Exam in 2019, and then joined the education team at Jackson Family Wines in 2023.
In September 2025, David earned his Master Sommelier diploma on his fifth attempt, and was the only person that year to do so.
Today, David is National Education Director for Jackson Family Wines, and is active within the Court.
What made you want to become a Master Sommelier?
I watched the “SOMM” documentary in 2013, and was totally blown away. I moved to Boulder around that time, and after one working interview with Bobby Stuckey at Frasca, I was hooked. The exam had everything: bottomless theory, artful service, and impossibly hard blinding (I failed a total of 7 tasting exams across my career, and am living proof that anyone can learn how to do it successfully). I loved the idea of “the world’s hardest exam” and was so impressed by the community built around it, I knew I had to be part of it.
What advice do you give those who are pursuing certification?
Reach out! Mentorship is such a huge part of the Court. You can’t do this alone, I promise. I basically cold-called about a dozen MSs during my studies, and every single one graciously offered me their time. And once you have a test or two under your belt, don’t hesitate to offer your mentorship to others coming up as well.
Also, find the joy in it. If studying feels like breaking rocks in the sun, visit classic wine regions and famous restaurants to reignite that spark again.
Last, failing an exam does not make you a failure. Most people pursuing CMS exams are type-A, academically-minded people, and coming up short (often for the first time in their lives) can really hurt. Divorce your performance from your self-worth, and treat yourself kindly.
