Erik Segelbaum, Sommelier

Erik Segelbaum is an Advanced Sommelier, Food & Wine Magazine 2019 Sommelier of the Year, and 2020 Wine Enthusiast 40 under 40 Tastemaker. With over 3 decades of industry experience, he is known for creating and running profitable, award-winning beverage programs and as a highly engaging educator. His experience includes Corporate Beverage Director for Starr Restaurants, Head Sommelier of MV The World, and Corporate Wine Director of Schwartz Brothers Restaurants.

Erik is the founder of GoodSomm -a luxury lifestyle wine club, is the co-owner of Certo -luxury RTD cocktails, and SWIG Partners -an import and distribution facilitation agency. He has been Smithsonian's national wine educator since 2019, hosting monthly consumer classes. Additionally, Erik is an editor and journalist for most major consumer and trade publications including Food & Wine Magazine, Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Somm Journal, Tasting Panel, and more.

He can frequently be found moderating and presenting at the nation's most prestigious trade and consumer conferences including Aspen F&W, Pebble Beach Food and Wine, South Beach Wine and Food Festival, Sommcon and more.

Additional accolades include Certified Specialist of Wine (with distinction) with the Society of Wine Educators, and Wine and Spirits Locations Specialist (with distinction). Erik's experience includes 10 years as a fine dining chef and over 20 years as a sommelier. Segelbaum has opened 30+ restaurants and hotels from Michelin Star fine dining to fast casual and multi-unit concepts. Segelbaum serves as the Vice President of the United Sommeliers Foundation, a charity that provides financial assistance to wine professionals in critical need and was awarded the Wine Enthusiast Wine Star award in 2025 for social visionary of the year.