Jeff Birkemeier

Over the past several years, I have cultivated a robust background in wine and beverage management through various roles. As the Sommelier of Amapola Kitchen & Wine Merchant, I established a successful restaurant and retail store aimed at enhancing food and wine diversity in Salinas. My responsibilities included everything from business administration to developing a wine program centered on value and boutique producers. This role honed my skills in direct customer communication and email marketing, critical components for maintaining customer relationships and driving sales.

Previously, as the Wine Manager at Pebble Beach Company, I managed Stave Wine Cellar and the Pebble Beach Market retail wine program. My duties encompassed budgeting, inventory compliance, leadership, and vendor relations. Additionally, I conducted wine seminars for staff and guests, sharing my knowledge and passion for wine. This experience refined my ability to lead and educate others, ensuring that both employees and customers have a comprehensive understanding of our offerings.

In my role as Beverage Director and Sommelier at Casanova Restaurant, I managed a beverage program with over $2.4M in annual sales, achieving consistent growth. I also designed an innovative inventory database using FileMaker Pro to manage 15,000 bottles, demonstrating my ability to leverage technology for efficient operations. My tenure at the sister restaurant, La Bicyclette, further solidified my expertise in managing beverage programs and increasing sales margins through strategic initiatives.

I hold several certifications, including Advanced Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers, Certified Wine Educator from the Society of Wine Educators, and Spirits Professional from the United States Bartenders Guild. These credentials, coupled with being a James Beard Award Semifinalist for Outstanding Wine Program, underscore my commitment to excellence in the field.

Over the past several years, I have cultivated a robust background in wine and beverage management through various roles. As the Sommelier of Amapola Kitchen & Wine Merchant, I established a successful restaurant and retail store aimed at enhancing food and wine diversity in Salinas. My responsibilities included everything from business administration to developing a wine program centered on value and boutique producers. This role honed my skills in direct customer communication and email marketing, critical components for maintaining customer relationships and driving sales.

Previously, as the Wine Manager at Pebble Beach Company, I managed Stave Wine Cellar and the Pebble Beach Market retail wine program. My duties encompassed budgeting, inventory compliance, leadership, and vendor relations. Additionally, I conducted wine seminars for staff and guests, sharing my knowledge and passion for wine. This experience refined my ability to lead and educate others, ensuring that both employees and customers have a comprehensive understanding of our offerings.

In my role as Beverage Director and Sommelier at Casanova Restaurant, I managed a beverage program with over $2.4M in annual sales, achieving consistent growth. I also designed an innovative inventory database using FileMaker Pro to manage 15,000 bottles, demonstrating my ability to leverage technology for efficient operations. My tenure at the sister restaurant, La Bicyclette, further solidified my expertise in managing beverage programs and increasing sales margins through strategic initiatives.

I hold several certifications, including Advanced Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers, Certified Wine Educator from the Society of Wine Educators, and Spirits Professional from the United States Bartenders Guild. These credentials, coupled with being a James Beard Award Semifinalist for Outstanding Wine Program, underscore my commitment to excellence in the field.

I am an Advanced Level Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers