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Brandon Heist

General Manager and Sommelier at Credo, San Francisco

Brandon started working in restaurants when he was 16, busing tables and washing dishes at a local restaurant in Northern California where he grew up. Upon graduating from The Collins College of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona, he spent a few years learning as much as he could about the back of house. Brandon was fortunate to work as a cook at the 3 Michelin-starred Restaurant at Meadowood in St. Helena and the landmark Prima restaurant in Walnut Creek. After kitchens, an opportunity to train under Master Sommelier Steven Poe presented itself at Big Canyon Country Club in Newport Beach and it is here that he was introduced to the world of wine.

After some time as an Assistant Sommelier, Brandon was promoted into management and oversaw the club’s three restaurants. After many years in Southern California, he returned to the Bay Area to work at The Olympic Club in San Francisco before joining the team at Credo to serve as their General Manager. Credo has been recognized for their delicious California Italian fare and back-to-back “Best of Award of Excellence” awards from Wine Spectator. Brandon is a Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) and has an Advanced Certificate in Wines and Spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). He lives in the East Bay with his wife Emily, daughter Hadley, and yellow labrador Murphy.

Meet the other judges

Larissa C Dubose

National Director Beverages- Dining Division at Paradies Lagardère and Wine Enthusiast Magazine Future 40, Vino Volo National Buyer

Jared Sowinski

Director of Beverage at Upward Projects Restaurant Group | Postino WineCafe | Joyride Taco House | Windsor | Federal Pizza

Christian Shaum

Lead Sommelier at Bazaar Meat, Chicago and 2024 Jean Banchet Award for Sommelier of the Year