Yannick Benjamin

About Yannick Benjamin

Experienced Professional Hospitalian and Head Sommelier with a demonstrated history of…

Experience

1. Director of Wine & Beverage

   The University Club

   Sep 2023 — Present

   As Director of Wine at the prestigious University Club of New York, I curate and oversee a dynamic and evolving wine program tailored to one of the most discerning memberships in the country. My role blends education, hospitality, and strategic curation—developing wine experiences that are as enriching as they are enjoyable. I work closely with the culinary team to design thoughtful pairings for exclusive dinners, oversee cellar management, and lead educational seminars and tastings that celebrate tradition, innovation, and accessibility in the world of wine.Core Responsibilities:Curate and maintain an extensive, globally focused wine list with an emphasis on quality, provenance, and balance.Develop and lead engaging wine seminars, themed tastings, and educational programming for members.Collaborate with the Executive Chef and culinary team on wine pairings for private events, seasonal dinners, and special club functions.Oversee cellar inventory and ensure optimal storage conditions, ordering, and budget management.Train and mentor service staff in wine knowledge, service etiquette, and member engagement.Cultivate strong relationships with importers, winemakers, and distributors to secure rare and limited allocations.Organize and execute high-profile wine dinners featuring renowned producers, vintages, and guest speakers.Maintain the club’s standard of excellence in service, presentation, and hospitality.Champion the inclusion of sustainable, inclusive, and regionally diverse producers.Uphold traditions of the Club while introducing contemporary perspectives in wine appreciation.

Education

• Monroe College

  Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

Skills

• Wine
• Wine Tasting
• Food & Beverage
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Food
• Beer
• Marketing Strategy
• Event Management
• Hospitality
• Restaurants
• Retail
• Marketing
• Beverage Industry
• Sales
• Social Media