• Enter Now

Dan Pilkey

Sommelier at The Concours Club and Fine Vines

Wine has served as the focal point for my career, education and passion for over 26 years.  Hailing from a small farming town in California, I began work in a winery (Wente Vineyards) at the early age of 14.  This job ignited an insatiable thirst for knowledge and exploration of culture, geography and history while providing an excellent foundation for F&B. Having garnered multiple 2-Star Michelin awards, worked distribution for DNS and supplier for Paul Hobbs Winery, and organized Chicago’s most elite blind tasting group (Second City Somm’s), I feel I have carved a significant niche in this market.

Over the last 5yrs I’ve begun private cellar management and acquisitions, and run the beverage program for The Concours Club in Miami while working in Chicago with Fine Vines distribution - yes, I'm busy! Professionally, I did successfully completed the Master Sommelier exam in 2018 and now engaged with the Master of Wine organization (S1a) as I continue to hone my skills and push our industry forward.  

Meet the other judges

Kat Hawkins

Wine Director at Miru, Tre Dita, and the St. Regis Bar, St. Regis, Chicago

Jared Givens

Director of Restaurants, Bars and Events for the Thompson Dallas, Hyatt Hotels