Congratulations to the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance 2019 recipient for Wine Educator of the Year! This award spotlights an individual who has made a notable impact in their efforts to educate not only visitors to our community, but also the trade, media, and local wine community-at-large. Best of all, this individual was chosen by their peers.

Applause for this year’s winner!  Ian Adamo

Being the world-class wine region that it is, Paso Robles has its fair share of notable sommeliers and wine educators working to familiarize visitors and the local industry alike into what makes this region and its wines unique. Ian Adamo stands at the forefront of this celebrated group not only because of his wealth of knowledge, but his mission to help educate and elevate a food and wine experience. Getting his start working in restaurants in New York and later in Seattle, Ian gained an appreciation for food and hospitality. Successful in this work, Ian decided to continue to develop himself through the Court of Master Sommeliers as well as the Master of Wine program (in London), later serving as a guest sommelier in Paris and teaching wine workshops at Cambridge University. Ian’s passion led him to start his own business that would bring together food, wine, and education. Now the owner and chef at Somm’s Kitchen, Ian offers a dining experience like no other. Creating and serving all the dishes, he expertly pairs wines with food. When customers eat a meal at Somm’s Kitchen, they don’t just get a great food and wine experience, but an opportunity to interact and learn from Ian.

“I love living and working in such a diverse wine region. So many different varietals, producers, styles, and market positions. Come to Paso, taste the world!” -Ian Adamo

Congratulations again to Ian Adamo and all the nominees in the Wine Educator of the Year category. Please look out in the coming months for the Community/Good Neighbor and Vineyard/Cellar Worker of the Year Awards!