Welcome to Episode 2508 of the Italian Wine Podcast from TEXSOM 2025 in which Jessica Dupuy interviews Master Sommelier and restaurateur Chris Gaither to talk about his first sommelier job, his journey to becoming a Master Sommelier, and founding Ungrafted, one of San Francisco’s most exciting wine destinations. They also break down the Master Sommelier vs. Master of Wine programs, exploring the key differences and challenges of each path.

The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a Media Partner of TEXSOM for the second year in a row, supporting one of the most influential wine events in North America.

Join us at TEXSOM 2025 as Texas-based wine journalist Jessica Dupuy interviews top writers, journalists, sommeliers, and wine professionals at this highly influential wine event. In this special series, Jessica will delve into the experiences and insights of key attendees, exploring career paths, challenges, and the latest trends in the wine industry.

This special TEXSOM series is made possible thanks to the support of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Uncork Texas Wines program, celebrating and promoting the vibrant culture of Texas wine.

More about today’s guest:
With a career in hospitality spanning 20 years, Chris took his first restaurant job while attending Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. His passion and curiosity for wine led him to apply for and receive a coveted wine internship at The French Laundry. He moved to San Francisco to work as a Sommelier at Spruce and from there went on to be the Wine Director at Restaurant Gary Danko. After stints at Sociale, Michael Mina and Octavia, Chris got the opportunity in 2018 to open Ungrafted with his wife, Master Sommelier Rebecca Fineman. In May of 2023 they also opened their wine bar, GluGlu, at Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors. He is director of wine education and brand ambassador at the Brown Estate in Napa Valley.

Connect:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-gaither-ms-299b71135/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sommthingelse/ 

More about the host:
Jessica Dupuy covers wine, spirits, and travel from Austin, Texas. She holds a Diploma with the Wine and Spirit Educational Trust, is a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, and a Certified Specialist of Wine and Spirits through the Society of Wine Educators. Dupuy’s work has appeared in Food & Wine, Wine Enthusiast, Imbibe, Texas Monthly, Forbes, SevenFifty Daily, GuildSomm, VinePair, and Southern Living. She recently published, The Wines of Southwest USA in addition to six regional cookbooks. Her forthcoming book, Italianity, with co-author Andrea Lonardi MW explores and celebrates the culture of Italian wine. (Release Spring 2026). She also co-hosts podcast, Another Bottle Down.
 
Connect:
Website: https://www.jessicadupuy.com/ 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-norman-dupuy-86486a4/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicandupuy/#   

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Until next time, Cin Cin!


Ep. 2508 Jessica Dupuy interviews Chris Gaither MS | TEXSOM 2025

The Italian Wine Podcast is a storytelling project dedicated to the fascinating world of Italian wine. New episodes are published every day – so stay tuned!
With more grape varieties and more diverse grape growing regions than any other country in the world, the story of Italian wine is a rich and captivating one. 
While the popularity of Italian wine continues to grow in every corner of the globe, inspired by a deep affection for the Italian way of life, the Italian Wine Podcast seeks to entertain, educate and inform. Embracing Italian food, travel, lifestyle and culture, IWP has something for every taste!