Danielle Cortez, Sommelier

Danielle Cortez has spent years at the intersection of exceptional wine and unforgettable experiences, and that combination is exactly what she brings to the Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival.

A WSET Level 2 with Merit provides the foundation, and a genuine curiosity for the craft keeps Danielle constantly growing. From attending industry conferences like SommCon to seeking out every opportunity to deepen her knowledge of the wine world, that commitment to learning came to life over nearly four years at Pebble Beach Resorts from October 2021 to May 2025. As Wine Sales Supervisor at Stave Wine Cellar, Danielle guided guests through thoughtfully curated selections, learning not just how to talk about wine, but how to read a room, anticipate a preference, and turn a single recommendation into a lasting memory. That experience was deepened further through work in Catering and Conference Services, where wine met the demands of large-scale, high-caliber events, pairing the right bottles to the right moments, at scale.

Today, Danielle brings that same eye for detail to her role as Events Manager at the Transamerica Pyramid, one of San Francisco's most iconic landmarks, orchestrating elevated experiences where every element, including what's in the glass, is intentional.

For Danielle, wine has always been about people first. Whether walking a curious newcomer through their first Pinot Noir or geeking out over old-world producers with a seasoned collector, the goal is always the same: make the moment feel personal.

Pebble Beach holds a special place in Danielle's heart. It's where so much of her love for wine and hospitality was shaped, glass by glass, guest by guest. Returning to these grounds for the Food & Wine Festival isn't just an honor, it's a homecoming. She can't wait to share that joy with every pour.