Wine Voices

Erik Segelbaum

Erik Segelbaum is a respected hospitality and wine professional with over 30 years of experience in fine dining, luxury service, and wine education. He’s the founder and Chief Vinnovation Officer of SOMLYAY LLC, a consulting firm offering tailored wine services, curated events, and hospitality solutions.

Originally from Toronto, Erik began as a fine dining chef before earning a BSc in Culinary Arts and Business from Drexel University. His passion for wine led him into beverage service, with roles as Wine Director at Hotel Victor and Johnny V in Miami, then as Corporate Wine Director for Schwartz Brothers Restaurants in Seattle. He also served as Head Sommelier aboard the luxury yacht MV The World and Corporate Beverage Director for Starr Restaurants.

Erik was named Food & Wine Magazine’s Sommelier of the Year in 2019 and was featured on Wine Enthusiast’s 40 Under 40 Tastemakers list in 2020. He holds multiple certifications, including Advanced Sommelier, Certified Specialist of Wine with distinction, and Wine & Spirits Location Specialist for Port and Champagne.

In addition to SOMLYAY, Erik co-founded SWIG Partners, connecting wineries with U.S. importers and distributors, and GoodSomm, a premium wine club focused on education and exclusive selections. He’s also the national wine educator for the Smithsonian and Vice President of the United Sommeliers Foundation.

Now based in Denver, Erik continues to influence the wine world through education, advocacy, and leadership. He was recently named a Star Wine List Ambassador for the city. (Photo KBIS credit: Kylene White)

Q & A: What’s the most surprising thing people don’t know about you as a wine pro?

"I've served wine on every continent but Antarctica. I've even served Champagne from a zodiac that was hiding behind an iceberg that we had just watched calve off a glacier in the Arctic Circle, a few hundred miles from the North Pole! I also am the only person on the planet to host the "Mile High Tasting" wherein wines are tasted blind on the ground and in the air, then compared to reveal how the same wine tastes different at altitude. It's an amazing immersive experience that I recommend for anyone with access to me and a private jet! "