Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/948966
70 / the tasting panel / march 2018 If you were not in the wine business, what would you do for a day job? I'd teach English and American literature. Have you had a mentor in the industry? If so, who? I haven't had a specific mentor, but I'm influenced by Masters Fred Dame, Evan Goldstein, Madeline Triffon, and Larry Stone, as well as great restaurateurs George Badonsky and Richard Melman and maître d' types like Alain Lacouture and Pierre Lasserre. Chefs like Jean Joho, Michael Foley, and Charlie Trotter have also inspired me. We all know the path to the Master Sommelier title is a long one, and you don't get there alone. What role do you think mentorship plays in the road to becom- ing a MS? Leadership and example are paramount. I felt more mentored in the service components than in theory or tasting. If you could share one glass of wine with someone, who would you choose and what would you drink? I would love to have met [food writer] Richard Olney and discussed many food and wine ideas. Any advice for young professionals just getting started in the biz? Work hard, listen, and care for your guests. Memorization and technical expertise on wine production are private pursuits! Spellman travels the country as an educator on a variety of industry-related topics. As a member of the Board of Advisors for SommCon, a three-day educa- tional conference for wine professionals, Spellman will appear at both the July and November events in Washington, D.C. and San Diego, respectively. The Tasting Panel and The SOMM Journal are proud to serve as the media sponsors of SommCon DC (July 22–24) and SommCon San Diego (November 14–16). PHOTO COURTESY OF SOMMCON Master Sommelier Joe Spellman Master Sommelier Joe Spellman. In the wine industry, rich personalities whose passion for all aspects of winemaking, produc- tion, consumption, and ritual drive the way people eat and drink across the globe. We were fortunate to have five minutes with Master Sommelier Joe Spellman, well-known for his educational style, dry humor, and mentorship to countless young pros. Joe Spellman, Master Sommelier Meilleur Sommelier du Monde en Vins et Spiritueux Français Justin Vineyards and Winery + Landmark Vineyards