Hidden Gems: Meet Sara Jimenez of Somm In The City

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Sara Jimenez.

Hi Sara, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My culinary journey began with a profound passion for food and cooking, leading me to graduate as a Pastry Chef from Johnson & Wales. With four years of experience in the restaurant industry, I seized the opportunity to undergo sommelier training in Germany, where a single food and wine pairing class sparked a revelation about my true calling.

This pivotal moment inspired me to delve into sommeliership, earning certifications while honing my skills in a Michelin-starred restaurant. As I transitioned into retail wine sales and education, the idea of Somm in the City took root in 2013, starting as a blog and blossoming into a comprehensive Sommelier-for-hire and wine events company.

Today, I am fortunate to travel and explore diverse wine regions, sharing my experiences through my blog and hosting events in New York, Nashville, and Pennsylvania. I proudly serve as the Guest Sommelier for a Top Destination Spa and regularly participate in guest sommelier nights and weekends at various hotels and restaurants, contributing to the rich tapestry of the wine world.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The path to where I am now has been a mix of tough and rewarding experiences. Going from the hustle of the restaurant scene to the more laid-back retail atmosphere had its share of uncertainties.

Now, working for myself, a whole new set of challenges comes with being an entrepreneur. The wine and restaurant industries are changing, and it’s crucial to stay flexible and adapt. Keeping that passion alive is key – it’s what helps maintain a positive outlook through it all.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Somm In The City?
I’m all about food and wine in my business – I wear multiple hats as a Sommelier, Cava Educator, Sherry Specialist, and Olive Oil enthusiast. My profession involves hosting luxury wine events and working with wineries and wine consortiums to make consumer and educational events happen.

I still have the blog and I still do often write on Somm In The City, where I educate on my travels and pour my heart out about wine, glassware, spirits, and more. When I’m not writing about amazing companies, local businesses, and travel, I host luxury tastings in homes, offices, or venue spaces. You’ll also find me as the Guest Sommelier at a top-notch destination spa, serving up sommelier vibes at luxury residential buildings through tastings and events.

Wines of the World and Wine and Olive Oil are the crowd-pleasers for my in-home tastings, virtual sessions, and corporate groups. Brand-wise, I am most proud of the growth… even slow, it’s allowed me to constantly strive and reinvent myself; it’s about the risks I’ve taken, the amazing people I’ve crossed paths with, and witnessing my blog grow into a full-fledged company – that’s the real payoff for me.

What makes you happy?
What brings me joy is witnessing the delight on people’s faces when I dive into the world of food and wine, creating unforgettable experiences. Hospitality has always been my focus, and I thrive on crafting moments that leave a lasting impression.

Adaptability is my forte, and there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of tailoring an event to exceed someone’s expectations. Going above and beyond is my thing, especially when it comes to sharing winemaker stories and helping showcase their incredible “art” in the form of wine. Unique tales, great food pairings, and those special moments – that’s what I’m all about.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.somminthecity.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/somminthecity
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SommInTheCity/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Sara_somminthecity

Image Credits
Colin Athens and Gabi Porter