Graham Thomson Beverage Director & Advanced Sommelier

Meet Graham C. Thomson, Epicurean Life's resident wine expert. His educated palate directs the award-winning wine and spirit selections offered at Fred's restaurant, Morton's Catering, and J.D. Ford Purveyors of Fine Wine & Spirits.

Graham has had over ten years of experience as a Sommelier in some of the country's best restaurants, and has been in/around the wine business for 25 years as a professional and as an avid wine enthusiast.

Graham was the 75th American to pass the Advanced Sommelier Examination (July 1999 New Milton, England) conducted by the Court of Master Sommelier. He has also completed the Theory segment of the Master Sommelier Exam (London, England November 2000) and is currently preparing to sit for the remainder of the exam in the coming year. After passing, Graham will hold the Master Sommelier Certification. This is the highest and most prestigious certification for a Sommelier-- there are only about 100 Master Sommeliers worldwide.

Prior to joining Epicurean Life, Graham served as Sommelier at Walt Disney World's Disney Institute, Chicago's Levy Restaurants and Chez Mélange in Los Angeles. During Graham's career he has acquired a great deal of experience in leading seminars on Food and Wine Pairing, Advanced Wine Appreciation, Connoisseurs Series, the Art of Blending, and The Basics of Wine. He has also served as a highlighted speaker at national food and wine festivals including the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. Graham has also successfully consulted for several restaurants enabling them to receive coveted awards from Wine Spectator magazine.

Graham's no stranger to the kitchen either, having polished his culinary skills as a Chef de Cuisine on Hilton Head, S.C. and as a finalist in Levy Restaurant's Culinary Olympics 1996.

From dusty boutique wine shops to expansive corporate conference rooms, from ancient, underground cellars to ultra-modern high-tech wineries, Graham has shared his passion and knowledge with casual wine lovers and serious collectors alike. Please call or visit today and let Graham introduce you to the world of fine wine.

Fred's Restaurant
1917 S. Osprey Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34239