Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Competitions
Activities
References
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Yannick Benjamin

New York,NY

Summary

Benjamin has achieved the esteemed title of Sommelier of the Year, as acknowledged by the prestigious Michelin Guide. Yannick, a sommelier based in New York City, stands as the co-founder of Contento Restaurant in East Harlem and Beaupierre Wines & Spirits in Hell's Kitchen. Beaupierre, a family business, is led by Hell’s Kitchen natives of French descent. Distinguished from other NYC-based wine shops, Beaupierre not only upholds family-oriented values but also serves as a community hub where inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability take precedence.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Wine & Beverage

The University Club
09.2023 - Current
  • Developed and executed a comprehensive beverage program strategy aligned with The University Club's vision and goals
  • Provided strategic direction for the wine and beverage department, resulting in increased member satisfaction and revenue growth
  • Curated an extensive and diverse wine list, catering to various tastes and preferences
  • Implemented a dynamic rotation of featured wines to enhance member experiences and encourage exploration
  • Developed and conducted training programs for staff to enhance their product knowledge and customer service skills
  • Established a culture of continuous learning, resulting in a more knowledgeable and attentive service team
  • Implemented effective cost control measures, optimizing inventory levels and minimizing waste
  • Managed and adhered to budgetary constraints while maintaining high-quality standards.

Founder

Beaupierre Wines & Spirits
09.2022 - Current
  • Maintain a deep understanding of various wines, including regions, varietals, and vintages
  • Conduct staff training sessions to enhance product knowledge
  • Stay informed about industry trends and new releases
  • Monitor and manage the store's budget, expenses, and profitability
  • Generate and analyze sales reports to make informed business decisions
  • Implement cost-effective strategies to maximize profitability
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations related to the sale of alcohol
  • Stay informed about licensing requirements and renewals.

Wine Director & Service Coordinator

Contento Restaurant
12.2019 - Current
  • Currently serving as the Wine Director and Service Coordinator at Contento Restaurant
  • Successfully curated and managed an extensive wine list at Contento, ensuring a diverse and high-quality selection for patrons
  • Applied extensive knowledge of wine regions, varietals, and vintages to assist customers in making informed and satisfying wine choices
  • Actively participated in the creation of seasonal menus, collaborating with chefs to ensure seamless wine and food pairings
  • Demonstrated exceptional customer service by attentively addressing customer inquiries, preferences, and special requests related to wine
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, new releases, and emerging winemakers to keep the wine list dynamic and appealing
  • Participated in wine competitions and tastings to stay abreast of industry developments and continuously refine personal expertise.

Founder

Wine on Wheels
01.2012 - Current
  • Founded Wine on Wheels in 2012, an organization dedicated to providing guidance and resources to disabled individuals
  • Focus on educational attainment, employment procurement, health and wellness, community integration, housing acquisition, and personal fulfillment.

Sommelier

The University Club
04.2013 - 05.2021
  • Head Sommelier managing one of the most renowned Wine Cellars for any Private Club in the United States
  • Responsible for overseeing the wine inventory, working on the floor, and assisting clients with wine selections
  • Manages over $5 million worth of wine.

Wine Sales and Educator

Le Du’s Wine
10.2005 - 09.2016
  • Worked as a wine salesperson and educator at Zagats' Number One Wine Store for 2011 and 2012
  • Specialized in top domain estates worldwide, organized wine seminars, assisted in wine buying, and conducted wine education sessions.

Assistant Sommelier

ATELIER at the Ritz Carlton Hotel
04.2002 - 09.2005
  • Assisted as a sommelier in a restaurant specializing in classical French cuisine with an American accent
  • Received 5 diamonds by Triple A and 3 stars by the New York Times.

Sommelier

FELIDIA
02.2003 - 08.2003
  • Responsible for managing inventory and wine cellar organization
  • Worked on the floor recommending wines and wine pairings with food.

Captain

ATLAS
01.2001 - 04.2002
  • Received three stars by New York Times critic, William Grimes.

Front Waiter

JEAN GEORGES
08.2000 - 01.2001
  • Worked as a front waiter in a four-star restaurant with French and Asian influence cuisine.

Front Waiter

OCEANA
02.2000 - 07.2000
  • Front waiter at the No
  • 2 rated seafood restaurant in New York City.

Front Waiter

LE CIRQUE 2000
01.1997 - 01.2000
  • Front waiter in a four-star French/Italian cuisine restaurant.

Waiter

BRYANT PARK GRILL
01.1994 - 01.1996
  • Started as a Busboy and promoted to waiter within several months.

Education

B.B.A. in Business Management -

Monroe College

A.A.S. in Hospitality Management -

Monroe College

Master Sommelier Candidate 2013 -

Completed Court of Master Sommelier Advanced level -

Completed Court of Master Sommelier Introductory Course -

Completed Viticulture/Vinification class with American Sommelier Association -

Completed Blind tasting course with the American Sommelier Association -

Diploma student with the Wines, Spirits, and Education Trust -

Completed Wines, Spirits, and Education Trust Advanced certificate wine course at the International Wine School -

Completed Wines, Spirits, and Education Trust Intermediate certificate wine course at the International Wine School -

Completed Wines, Spirits, and Education Trust certification in Distilled spirits and Aromatized wines -

Completed Higher Certificate Course at the Sommelier Society of America -

Skills

  • Brand Promotion
  • Cost Control
  • Menu Development
  • Wine Knowledge
  • Designing and updating comprehensive and diverse wine lists
  • Knowledge of market trends and emerging wineries
  • Ensuring a balanced selection to suit different preferences and budgets
  • Developing and managing beverage budgets
  • Monitoring costs and implementing strategies to maximize profitability

Accomplishments

2023 Michelin Guide Sommelier of The Year

2021 Wine Enthusiast Beverage Director of The Year

Competitions

  • U.S. National Finalist for Copa Jerez 2021
  • Winner of The 4th Annual Star Chefs Somm Slamm Competition 2013
  • 2-Time National Finalist in Top Somm held by The Guild of Court of Master Sommelier
  • 2nd Place Finish Eastern Seaboard Regional Best Sommelier in America competition held by The Guild of Court of Sommelier, May 1st, 2011
  • Best Sommelier in America Competition hosted by The American Sommelier Association, April 16th, 2011
  • Best Sommelier in America National Finalist held by the Guild of The Court of Master Sommelier, August 1st, 2010
  • Winner of the Eastern Seaboard Regional Best Sommelier in America competition held by The Guild of Court of Sommelier 2010

Activities

Participated in various marathons, including NYC Marathon (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Boston Marathon (2010, 2011), and Chicago Marathon (2012).

References

  • William Sherer, Master Sommelier, 917.575.6310
  • Laura Maniec, Master Sommelier, Director of Wine Corkbuzz, 917.770.9713
  • John Ragan, Master Sommelier, Wine Director of Union Square Hospitality Restaurant Group, 415.652.7277

Languages

English
French
Full Professional

Timeline

Director of Wine & Beverage

The University Club
09.2023 - Current

Founder

Beaupierre Wines & Spirits
09.2022 - Current

Wine Director & Service Coordinator

Contento Restaurant
12.2019 - Current

Sommelier

The University Club
04.2013 - 05.2021

Founder

Wine on Wheels
01.2012 - Current

Wine Sales and Educator

Le Du’s Wine
10.2005 - 09.2016

Sommelier

FELIDIA
02.2003 - 08.2003

Assistant Sommelier

ATELIER at the Ritz Carlton Hotel
04.2002 - 09.2005

Captain

ATLAS
01.2001 - 04.2002

Front Waiter

JEAN GEORGES
08.2000 - 01.2001

Front Waiter

OCEANA
02.2000 - 07.2000

Front Waiter

LE CIRQUE 2000
01.1997 - 01.2000

Waiter

BRYANT PARK GRILL
01.1994 - 01.1996

B.B.A. in Business Management -

Monroe College

A.A.S. in Hospitality Management -

Monroe College

Master Sommelier Candidate 2013 -

Completed Court of Master Sommelier Advanced level -

Completed Court of Master Sommelier Introductory Course -

Completed Viticulture/Vinification class with American Sommelier Association -

Completed Blind tasting course with the American Sommelier Association -

Diploma student with the Wines, Spirits, and Education Trust -

Completed Wines, Spirits, and Education Trust Advanced certificate wine course at the International Wine School -

Completed Wines, Spirits, and Education Trust Intermediate certificate wine course at the International Wine School -

Completed Wines, Spirits, and Education Trust certification in Distilled spirits and Aromatized wines -

Completed Higher Certificate Course at the Sommelier Society of America -

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