Jesse P. Rodriguez

Jesse Rodriguez was named one of “America’s Best New Sommeliers” by Wine & Spirits magazine in 2007 and StarChefs.com’s 2010 “Southern California’s Rising Star, Best Sommelier;” and “Best Sommelier” by the readers, editors and critics of San Diego Magazine and Ranch & Coast: San Diego’s Luxury Lifestyle Magazine for four consecutive years. Before joining the team at The Grand Del Mar, Rodriguez was the Head Sommelier at Napa Valley’s The French Laundry. He is an Advanced Sommelier by the American Chapter of the Court of Master Sommeliers and has recently passed his theory and service examinations for the MS Diploma. In addition, he is credentialed as a Certified Wine Educator by the Society of Wine Educators and has passed the WSET Diploma examination. He is a first year MW student and holds a Master’s Degree in Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University, and is a member of the Business of Wine Advisory Board for San Diego State University College of Extended Studies and teaches its multiple wine intensive classes.