How’s it going? I’m Zach. Nice to meet you! In short, I’ve been doing this for a while. I’ve been involved with the world of hospitality for over 20 years. But really, when I think about it, I’ve been obsessed with food and drinks my entire life. I started tinkering around in the kitchen of my childhood home back in Michigan around when I was about 8, making mac and cheese from scratch for my family. In the decades since then, I’ve never really stopped tinkering.

My introduction to the mixology world came, as I imagine it did for most people, in college. I was lucky enough to get into the Theatre program at the University of Michigan (GO BLUE!). I had an amazing time in college, but my drink mixing experience was pretty much limited to figuring out the right ratio of coke to add to my Jack Daniels so that I didn’t taste the alcohol.

After college, I moved from the frozen tundra of the Midwest to the sun-soaked shores of Southern California. I happened to land in an un-and-coming neighborhood of LA called Los Feliz. A lot of the local watering holes, like the Dresden and the Derby, were featured in the movie “Swingers.” So I dipped my baby toes into the fledgling cocktail scene of my adopted home and my interest was piqued.

A few years later, in 2004, the movie Sideways came out. The appeal of this magical place called Santa Barbara Wine Country beckoned. So, a few months after seeing the movie, I decided to head up there to see it for myself. After one visit, I was hooked. Not only on the bucolic beauty of the landscape, but on the flavors, textures, and amazing variety of the region’s wines. I started going up there, usually by myself, for little day trips. I began to get familiar with the area.  

Fast forward a few years, I met this cute girl online. Her name was Nicole. We hit things off right away, and after only a couple months of dating, I asked her to join me on an overnight trip up to Sana Ynez. She had never been wine tasting before, and we had a great time. As it turned out, that cute girl from OkCupid eventually became my wife and the mother of our two beautiful little kiddos. And we’ve shared a love of wine, food, and living the good life ever since!

My professional hospitality career has spanned basically every location and position in the restaurant industry. I’ve worked at LA institutions such as The Tam O’Shanter, Border Grill in Santa Monica, and Joan’s on Third, as well as Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. I also completed my Level 1 (Introductory) Sommelier certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers to further my wine knowledge.

When it comes down to it, my main goal in hospitality is to connect the people I serve to unique food and beverage experiences, to broaden their horizons and palates, and create memories that will last longer than the finish on a Grand Cru Burgundy!

·For a fun and unique group experience, I am proud to offer wine tasting and mixology classes. For more information and pricing, please contact me at zachattackswine@gmail.com