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Drew Hendricks
Master Sommelier
- Discipline
- Other
i. Biography
Master Sommelier in 2008, Drew Hendricks built a career that reads from the kitchen outward. The work starts with flavor on the plate and moves into beverage decisions that have to hold up under service. He has said, “I got into wine through cooking,” and that point of entry still explains the way he works: practical, sensory, and attentive to how richness, structure, and lift behave together. That approach is clearest in the pairings he names without hesitation. With rib eye, Hendricks reaches for Pinot Noir or Barolo—wines that bring acidity and tannin to meet fat and protein directly. The logic is one of balance and contrast: wine should not just accompany a dish, but change how it lands, cut through the weight, and keep the next bite lively.
The Climb
Drew Hendricks trained at Gonzaga University, a step that led into work requiring technical control and a steady hand in service. He worked as onsite wine director at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Dallas, Texas, where the room and the expectations of the guest would have demanded close attention to detail. He later served as wine director at Charlie Palmer at the Joule in Dallas, Texas, continuing a path shaped by depth, polish, and a clear read on how wine supports a dining room. Today, Drew is director of beverage education and wine of Pappas Restaurant Group, a role centered on teaching, shaping, and refining the beverage point of view across the group. It extends a career that has consistently linked the cellar, the table, and the kitchen with equal seriousness.
Today
He is a Master Sommelier.
In Their Words “When I eat rib eye, I want Pinot Noir or Barolo, something high in acid, high in tannins that takes care of all that richness and protein that’s in my mouth. It’s cleansing.” “It’s all about the fat content of the cut.”
Recognition
Drew's honors include Master Sommelier (2008).
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Drew
What is Drew Hendricks's current role?
As of 2026, Drew Hendricks is director of beverage education and wine of Pappas Restaurant Group.
Where did Drew Hendricks train or study?
Drew Hendricks trained at Gonzaga University.
What recognition has Drew Hendricks received?
Master Sommelier (2008).
