Daniel Geiger
Santa Maria,CA
Summary
A charismatic detail-driven hospitality professional with a deep, interdisciplinary passion for wine, service, and storytelling. I bring a nuanced blend of technical expertise, luxury service standards, and artistic communication to the creation and leadership of wine programs. Known for elevating guest experience, developing confident, empowered, and knowledgeable teams, and crafting narrative-driven wine lists that very intentionally reflect place, philosophy, and purpose. I lead with warmth, curiosity, and a commitment to continual excellence, sharing knowledge generously while building a beverage culture that inspires both staff and guests.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sommelier / Wine Director
The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Collection
Los Olivos, CA
06.2024 - Current
- Developed wine tastings and special experiences, educating and staff and guests on varietals, pairing philosophy, and technique.
- Managed Wine Service across Resort, catering to the specificity and preferences of each individual.
- Maintained inventory of wines, spirits, and NA offerings across multiple outlets ensuring optimal stock levels and quality standards.
- Demonstrated Detailed Knowledge of Seasonal Menu Offerings and Service Standards.
- Singlehandedly supported the Resort's needs through a Beverage Director shift.
- Upheld Fruitful Relationships with Distributors and Local Producers.
- Reached out to Specific, Inspiring Local Producers to Bring their Work to a Wider Audience.
- Executed Private Storytelling Experiences highlighting Local Wine production alongside Old World Inspirations.
- Collaborated with Area Beverage Director to strategize about sales, margins, and opportunities across the resort.
Wine Sales Associate
Brick Barn Wine Estate
Buellton, CA
12.2021 - 06.2024
- Provided exceptional service to a high volume of daily customers.
- Educated team and collaborated with management to improve the organization and policy of the workplace.
- Top Salesman, commissioned on Wine Club sign-ups, and celebrated for salesmanship, retention of guests, as well as peer coaching.
Education
Associate’s Degree - Philosophy
Allan Hancock College
Santa Maria, CAAssociate’s Degree - Liberal Arts and Humanities
Allan Hancock College
Santa Maria, CAVocational Training Certificate - Professional Acting
Pacific Conservatory of The Performing Arts
Santa Maria, CASkills
- Intentional Narrative Wine List Curation
- Elevated Tableside Presentation and Service
- Upholding Luxury Hospitality Standards
- Development and Execution of Staff Wine Educational Programs
- Collaborative Wine Pairing Strategy with Culinary Leadership
- Commitment to Technical Precision and Continual Growth / Excellence
Certification
Court of Master Sommeliers, SommBiz- Levels 1-3
WSET- Level 2
Timeline
Sommelier / Wine Director
The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Collection
06.2024 - Current
Wine Sales Associate
Brick Barn Wine Estate
12.2021 - 06.2024
Associate’s Degree - Philosophy
Allan Hancock College
Associate’s Degree - Liberal Arts and Humanities
Allan Hancock College
Vocational Training Certificate - Professional Acting
Pacific Conservatory of The Performing Arts