Our SOMMelier Blog - see what's on the minds of Americas top SOMMeliers...
- Chateau Fonsalette, "Cuvee Syrah," 1998
- Clos Saint Jean, Chateauneuf du Pape, 1978
- Cote Rotie, Jamet 95, Guigal 83, Ogier 2001
- Au Bon Climat, Chardonnay, 1991
- Brundalmayer, Riesling, "Heilgenstein-Alte Reben," 1998
- Araujo Syrah 2001
- Giacomo Bologna, Barbera d'Asti, Bricco dell’Uccellone, 2000
Campton Place
San Francisco
- Campton Place
- French Laundry - Napa Valley
- Stone Creek Inn – The Hamptons
- Bacara Resort and Spa - Santa Barbara
- St. Regis Hotel - Los Angeles
Many years ago, Michael Scaffidi would never have believed that he was destined to be the Sommelier at The French Laundry in Napa Valley. Instead of pursuing a career in wine, Michael assumed he would be writing screenplays for independent film, after having graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in Screenwriting. Like most starving writers, however, Michael worked in restaurants and fell in love with the world of wine and spirits.
After taking the position at St. Regis in Los Angeles as Head Bartender, Michael decided to pursue an education in wine. He made frequent trips to wine regions throughout California and Oregon and finally decided to move to Santa Barbara to be closer to a thriving wine community. It was at the acclaimed Bacara Resort and Spa in Santa Barbara that Michael began his educational focus. In addition to assisting with the Wine Program, Michael taught seminars for seven hundred employees on four-star wine and service standards.
In 2004, Michael was offered a position as a Sommelier under Paul Roberts, Master Sommelier, at The French Laundry. Michael took his passion to teaching to another level by taking responsibility for the wine education program at The French Laundry. He is also one of the central wine buyers for the growing 1,700 selection wine list. An integral part of the French Laundry team, Michael finds ways to enhance the guest experience through offering a personalized food and wine experience. It is this attention to detail Michael conveys when assisting other properties, such as The Stone Creek Inn in the Hamptons, attaining a higher level of wine and service excellence.