Today we’d like to introduce you to Jim Santangelo.
Hi Jim, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
My wine career started at a hot dog stand. I worked the grill during the humid summers in Western New York rolling dogs over charcoal. I greeted customers as they arrived, shouting, “Whatcha want? Whatcha got?”— and the banter between the ‘grill man’ and customers began. I traded the grill in for fine dining when I moved to Salt Lake City.
I loved the fast-paced environment on the floors of Utah’s top-rated restaurants and made the decision to continue my training. I found I was especially motivated by the power of wine to enhance the dining experience for both the guests and myself. This passion has been greatly enhanced by my decision to become a certified Sommelier, and then an Educator with an internationally recognized program certifying people in various levels of wines, spirits, and sake.
I am pleased to take the enthusiasm that has its roots ‘behind the grill’ to the floor of bustling restaurants. As a Sommelier, I seek out epic experiences with food and wine for guests, and as the Founder and Educator of the Wine Academy of Utah, I introduce the intricacies of wine to enthusiasts and professionals alike in a fun environment. My banter of “How many dogs?” has transformed into “How about little ‘splishy splash’ to get you started tonight?”
Today, the Wine Academy of Utah has expanded to providing educational consumer wine and spirit tasting events throughout the community collaborating with various bars, restaurants, museums, and the like. In addition, since 2018 we created the Whiskey & History SLC experience, a 2-hour walking and tasting tour exploring the rich history of distillation here in Utah from the mid-1800s to the present day. This tour is available via the Airbnb platform for visitors, and privately for larger corporate groups.
You can also tune in to the weekly radio feature called “Have Another Drink with Jimmy” each Friday morning at 8 AM on the X96 Radio From Hell show, celebrating its 30 years of alternative rock in Utah.
Thank you for allowing me to “Increase Wine Knowledge… One Sip at a Time.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The challenge faced as being a wine professional in Utah is the limited availability of various wines & spirits.
Utah is a Control State, which means Utah is the sole purchaser of alcohol and runs all liquor/wine stores.
But, with each challenge comes a solution; ‘Special Orders’ are available to source products that you wish to buy.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Wine has a deep history, wide presence, and vast future.
Being an educator from formal educational settings to casual consumer tastings, I push myself each day being introduced to new products, preparing presentations, and taking questions live on air. It’s between fun and scary, but I just feel pulled in the direction of this industry.
I’ll share a quote my Dad said to me when I was younger, “Jimmy, find something you love to do, make a couple of bucks at it, and you’ll never work a day in your life…” I am very fortunate that I’ve been able to pursue that statement.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The shift in the industry is providing guests with experiences. There is so much content readily available at one’s fingertips, but providing consumers ‘experiences’ while enjoying products, that’s the focus today and will continue into the future.
Pricing:
- Whiskey & History Experience $50 / person
- In-Home Wine Events $75 / person
- Various Consumer Tastings in the Community range from $45 – $125 / person
- Wine Certification ranges from $375 – $925 / person
Contact Info:
- Email: jim@wineacademyofutah.com
- Website: https://www.wineacademyofutah.com/
- Instagram: @wineacademyofut
- Facebook: @wineacademyofut
- Twitter: @wineacademyofut
