CHUCK SIMEONE

Chuck Simeone has worked in the hospitality industry for over 27 years. In that time he has built award winning, profitable wine programs for all of the organizations for which he has served. While acting as Beverage Director for B.R. Guest Restaurant Group he created "A Realistic Approach to Wine" a comprehensive, certificate wine & spirits training program for servers. He has served as Corporate Beverage Director for acclaimed New York restaurant groups such as The Fireman Group (Trattoria del'Arte, Shelly's, Red Eye Grill) and Jean-Georges LLC (Jean-Georges, Mercer Kitchen, JoJo, Spice Market, Perry Street). He was recruited to serve as The Director of Education for Southern Wine and Spirits, one of the largest distributors in the United States, where he created education programs to elevate service levels within the organization as well as providing value-added consultation for restaurant accounts in the New York metro area.

He has been frequently quoted and published in many wine & food related publications and has sat on many tasting panels. In addition to his restaurant tenure he has also held the position of Tasting Director for The Wine Enthusiast Magazine. He has served as Founding Co-Chair Board of Directors for The American Sommelier Association's New York Chapter. He has been featured as a guest lecturer at Vinexpo for three years; 2002 Vinexpo New York, NY "How to Score Wines" sponsored by The Wine Enthusiast; 2003 Vinexpo Bordeaux, France "The Diversity of American Wines" sponsored by the U.S. Consulate to France; 2004 Vinexpo Chicago, IL "How To Blind Taste Wine" sponsored by The American Sommelier Association.

Over the years he has mentored many young food and beverage professionals who have gone on to have very successful careers in the industry. During this time he has forged strong relationships in all facets of the food & beverage industry and is highly regarded by his peers.