This year's sommelier
Ryan Cooper
Ryan is a native Houstonian whose love affair with hospitality spans two decades. He achieved his Advanced Sommelier accreditation in 2018 on his first attempt, a distinction held by less than 8% of test takers. Above all else, his passion is teaching. He has spent years reimagining how to talk about wine and make it more approachable for the casual drinker. In 2022, Ryan and his wife threw caution to the wind and launched Everywine, an entertaining wine education and events company based in the Heights. Prior to that, his primary focus was independently-owned, chef driven restaurants. He has been on the opening team at a number of critically acclaimed establishments including Uchi, Camerata, and Goodnight Hospitality concepts. Management and Beverage Director experience include Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, Justin Thompson Restaurant Group, MAD, and Montrose Cheese & Wine. Ryan loves all things outdoor and competitive, and can make his three children laugh like no one else.
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