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Jacob Brown

Head Sommelier at Lazy Bear, San Francisco

Jacob began his beverage career as a ski bum bartender at a peanut bar in Park City, Utah. While there he took his Introductory Sommelier Course, falling head over heels for hospitality and the world of wine. He hung up the ski poles and strapped on cowboy boots, moving to Austin Texas to continue on his journey as a Hospitalian. While in Texas, Jacob worked every position in restaurants from dishwasher to beverage director, including time at Counter 3. FIVE. VII and the Elm Group. Jacob’s journey now continues here in San Francisco as the Head Sommelier of Lazy Bear while he pursues the Master Sommelier Diploma and more champagne in his glass.

Jacob is also a massive Minnesota Vikings fan who always believes that this year will be our year.  

Meet the other judges

Liz Kowal

Wine Certificate Instructor, Hospitality at College of DuPage

Josh King

Director of Food and Beverage, Virgin Hotels, Chicago