Michael Engelmann

The Path

The early work ran through Alsace, France, and then Restaurant Georges Blanc at Restaurant Georges Blanc, before the sommelier role at Gary Danko in San Francisco, California, USA. From there, the job widened into leadership: Head Sommelier at Rockpool Bar & Grill in Sydney, Australia (until 2014), Wine Director at The Modern in New York City, New York, USA (2014–2016), Associate Wine Director at Union Square Hospitality Group in New York City, New York, USA, Wine Director at Untitled at the Whitney Museum in New York City, New York, USA, Wine Director at Manhatta in New York City, New York, USA, Wine Director at Intersect by Lexus in New York City, New York, USA, and most recently Beverage Director at WS & The Tavern by WS in New York, USA.

The Work Today

His wine philosophy is framed around value, balance, and dryness at the finish. Michael Engelmann has said, "We want to be in a position where we offer value." He has also described a style he values with the line, "There’s a round mouth feel, there’s fruit, there’s generosity, but then in the end it’s dry." That same lens extends to regions he pays attention to, including Australian wines beyond Shiraz and South Africa, which he has called "one of the most interesting countries at the moment."

In Their Words “Wine is a job, is a passion, and I don’t want to lose that little sparkle, I think that’s very important.” “I have a big crush on South Africa; I think it’s one of the most interesting countries at the moment.”

Acclaim

Michael's honors include Krug Cup (2011), Best Sommelier in America (2009), Best New Sommeliers (2009), and Rudd Scholarship.