Jonathan is an internationally award-winning sommelier who has worked at Michelin-starred restaurants Aquavit and The Modern. In 2023, Jonathan achieved the rank of Master Sommelier. In 2019, Jonathan won the Best Young Sommelier in America competition and went on to place 2nd in the Best Young Sommelier in the World. He is an Educator for Guildsomm, a membership organization of 10k sommeliers around the world. Jonathan is also a Certified Cicerone. He is an alumnus of Colby College where he studied Neuroscience and History. Outside of beverages, Jonathan is an avid art, music, and sneaker enthusiast.
Where are you working currently and how has being a MS supported you in your current role?
I currently serve as an Educator for Guildsomm. Becoming an MS truly prepared me for this role. Going through the stages of the exam helps you understand how to study the world of wine but more importantly how to share the world of wine with others. The biggest things are breadth over depth, keeping this interesting, and not getting lost in the minutiae of the beverage world. At the end of the day, we are storytellers who must bring the information to life with hospitable displays of our theory knowledge.
What made you want to become an MS?
The community! The people are what make this industry an intellectually diverse meritocracy that is laden with amazing mentors and wonderful friends. I started down the path in pursuit of the academic achievement but was blown away by the support and the opportunity to learn and grow.
I also wanted to teach Intro courses. I love how the course gives us the opportunity to inspire those who are just starting this path. The world is a better place for guests and sommeliers with more people pushing themselves and communities through these exams.
What advice do you give those who are pursuing certification?
Listen and have fun!
One of my close mentors taught me, that the Master Sommelier exam is a listening exam. Learn to listen not just to the questions but also to your guests, peers, and mentors. It will only widen your perspective and make you the best sommelier you can be.
Enjoy every step of the journey! Success comes with a smile. Consider this: You’re investing time in something you’re passionate about. Once a year, you get to showcase your hard-earned expertise. What’s more thrilling than sharing your knowledge, creating unforgettable guest experiences, and logically analyzing delicious wines?
What is your desert island wine, or what wines/beverages are you currently excited about?
Egon Muller Scharzhofberger Kabinett. It is the wine that to me, represents what makes wine exciting. It is delicious, it tells the story of where it is from, and it takes you on a journey. In the glass, its elegantly explosive, thought-provoking, and tasty. What else do you need?
