Inside the World of Wine Competitions & Southern Hospitality with Sommelier Tony Gullikson

In this episode of The Vint Podcast, hosts Billy Galanko and Brady Weller sit down with Tony Gullikson, an Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, runner-up in the Best USA Sommelier Competition, and a competitor in multiple high-level sommelier contests. They discuss Tony’s journey from Sonoma to the South, his experience in rigorous sommelier competitions, and the challenges of curating an innovative wine program in a non-traditional wine market. The conversation also explores industry shifts, how sommeliers can adapt to declining wine sales, and why blending is making a comeback in fine wine.

The hosts open the show with a discussion on the art of blending, examining its rise in prominence and how the term has evolved in the wine market. They explore how winemakers are shifting their messaging to highlight blends, moving away from a past era dominated by single-vineyard and varietal labeling. 

Highlights:

• Tony’s path from Sonoma to Savannah and how he found his passion for wine
• Competing at the highest level, including the Best USA Sommelier Competition
• The structure of sommelier competitions and how they prepare candidates for exams
• The intricacies of running a wine program in the Southeast
• How sommeliers can shape the future of wine culture

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the Vint Podcast
05:01 The Art of Wine Blending
13:00 Interview with Tony Gullikson: A Sommelier's Journey
29:53 Exploring the Beverage List at Fitzroy
30:59 Deciding on Sparkling Wines for the Menu
31:59 Understanding the Clientele and Seasonal Trends
33:17 Crafting a Classic Wine List
34:09 Selling Unique Wines and Educating Customers
37:49 The Role of Cocktails and Bourbon at Fitzroy
38:27 Insights into Sommelier Competitions
46:15 The Importance of Service in Competitions
50:33 Challenges and Trends in the Wine Industry
55:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com.

Cheers!