Sommelier Jeff Porter in Conversation: Wine Without the BS

Jeff Porter has spent more than two decades taking wine seriously while trying to make it as much fun as possible for his guests, readers, audiences, and, most importantly, himself. A Texas native with a degree in nutrition, Jeff began his career teaching high school science in Los Angeles through Teach For America. Explaining chemistry to teenagers turned out to be pretty good preparation for explaining Barolo to adults.

Jeff built his career as a sommelier at some of America’s most celebrated restaurants, including Tra Vigne in Napa Valley, Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles, and New York City’s Del Posto, where he served as Beverage Director. He later oversaw beverage operations for the Bastianich Hospitality Group.

In 2019, Jeff took his curiosity on the road with Sip Trip, a 14-episode YouTube series exploring Italy and its people through what they drink. That same curiosity continues today with Italy Wine TV, an Instagram-based series that takes viewers into Italy’s vineyards and cellars to meet the people behind the wines.

Jeff has never stopped being a sommelier, but his work now extends well beyond the restaurant floor. He is a writer and wine critic for Wine Enthusiast, covering Northern Italy, as well as a hospitality consultant, educator, and storyteller who draws on everything from music and art to history and pop culture to make wine more accessible.

In 2025, he partnered with Daniel Johnnes and the La Paulée team to create Convivio, a celebration of Italian wine, food, and culture. He now lives in Turin, Italy, where he continues to work as a sommelier and find new ways to make wine a little less serious and a lot more fun.