The 5 Best Sommeliers Around Aspen

Wine service in Aspen is often about more than pairing — it’s storytelling. A great sommelier can read a table, understand mood and translate a menu into something layered, unexpected and personal. The Best of Aspen, Snowmass and Basalt contest highlighted wine professionals who bring knowledge without pretension, guiding guests through lists that might otherwise feel overwhelming. These are the people who make wine feel inviting, not intimidating — enhancing the meal, the moment and the conversation.

John McKenna || PARC Aspen

At PARC Aspen, sommelier John McKenna leads with a calm confidence grounded in deep knowledge and genuine hospitality. His approach emphasizes wines that reflect place and season, aligning with the restaurant’s ingredient-driven philosophy. Whether guiding a guest toward a familiar favorite or introducing something new, McKenna brings a welcoming presence to the table. The experience feels elevated but never stiff, allowing wine to enhance the rhythm of the meal in a natural way.

Jonathan Pullis || AM7

Jonathan Pullis brings years of sommelier experience and a thoughtful, grounded style to AM7. His selections lean intentional, layered and expressive, often encouraging guests to explore regions and producers they may not have sought out on their own. Pullis’s strength is his ability to translate complexity into comfort — wine becomes accessible, enjoyable and rooted in conversation rather than performance.

Tim Bean || Yuki Aspen

At Yuki Aspen, Tim Bean curates wine pairings that complement the restaurant’s Japanese-inspired cuisine with balance and precision. His selections emphasize clarity, mineral-driven whites, elegant sparkling wines and lighter reds that harmonize with delicate flavors. Bean’s approach feels thoughtful and steady, guiding diners through choices that elevate the experience without overshadowing the food. It’s subtlety done well.

Chris Dunaway || Element 47 at The Little Nell

Chris Dunaway is part of the long-respected wine program at Element 47, where the cellar has earned national recognition. His guidance blends technical expertise with a gracious, approachable tone — making even rare or complex wines feel inviting. Dunaway helps create the sort of dining experience where each pairing enriches the story of the meal, from first glass to last.

Christel Striver || Hotel Jerome

At Hotel Jerome, Christel Striver brings a warm, intuitive touch to her work as sommelier. Her style leans personal — listening, reading the table and recommending wines that resonate with individual preferences. The result is service that feels attentive without being showy. The wine becomes part of the atmosphere: relaxed, thoughtful and deeply enjoyable.

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