“We at Kobrand wish our very best to all the sommeliers and other restaurant, hotel, bar, and club staff members in terms of staying safe and secure during these unprecedented times. We’re facing a time of great uncertainty, a time that has forced our dearest friends and business partners to face significant challenges. After seeing what the United Sommelier Foundation has been able to accomplish in just a short period of time, and in learning of their deep and sincere dedication toward helping people in need, it is with great pride that we support their efforts by donating $100,000 to their worthy initiatives. Over our 76-year history, on-premise has been our channel of priority and strength, and we will work together as we navigate our way to recovery and look forward to the better times ahead when we are on the other side of this crisis.”

— Bob DeRoose

President & CEO, Kobrand Wine & Spirits Corporation

“As the mother and wife of people in the restaurant business, and as the publisher of JancisRobinson.com, I am all too aware of the pain of all sorts inflicted by this terrible pandemic. Anything that can be done to relieve that pain is truly admirable and I salute all those involved with the United Sommeliers Foundation. Please take advantage of our offer of complimentary membership of our Purple Pages for under-employed hospitality professionals.”

— Jancis Robinson

“After spending the last couple of weeks researching various ways that we can use our limited resources during this devastating time, it became apparent that The United Sommeliers Foundation is the best way for our winery to help wine professionals across the country.  Although we hope that the current global crisis never repeats itself, we look forward to partnering with USF for years to come to help sommeliers during whatever hardships may arise in the future.”

— Jodie Morlet

General Manager & Proprietor, Morlet Family Vineyards

“The sommelier community has been devastated by restaurant closures around the world. Top sommeliers have dedicated themselves to educating clients and elevating a great dining experience. To envision that we might be losing an entire group of sommeliers is hard to fathom. For any lover of wine, it is important to provide assistance to these sommeliers in need. I strongly urge you to support the USF with a donation or a purchase in the auction.”

— Paul Roberts, MS

COO, Colgin Cellars

“The United Sommelier Foundation is an organization that makes me proud to be a part of the sommelier community. Even though sommeliers and wine professionals are spread out across the country, we are a small community. The creation of the USF, with its mission to offer aid to beverage professionals now and in the future, is very much needed. Because at the end of the shift, we are all one family.”

— Bernie Sun

Luxury Account Manager, Kobrand Wine & Spirits Corporation

“Every year, sommeliers  contribute their time and money to helping out those in need.  The work that the United Sommeliers Foundation has now undertaken for our own is truly inspirational.  A big thanks to all the board members, sponsors and all those who support the work of the United Sommeliers Foundation.”

— Larry Stone, MS

CEO & Founder, Lingua Franca

“The United Sommeliers Foundation is an incredible advocate for our industry’s sommeliers. At Eleven Madison Park we value our family members highly and without them we might never have the perfect and intimate experience that we strive for. The United Sommeliers Foundation has graciously raised financial for those sommeliers who have lost their jobs due to the current pandemic. Thank you for taking care of our family and our industry.”  

— Daniel Humm

Chef & Owner, Eleven Madison Park NYC