James L Bube, MS and Leading Restaurant Buyer To Host Restaurant Buyers Masterclass With Sommeliers Choice Awards Winners At 2023 USATT Chicago.

Jim is a Wine Director at Hogsalt in Chicago. Formerly the General Manager of Mercantile Dining and Provision in Denver, Jim focuses heavily on mentorship in the wine industry when not cooking or trying to make the perfect canelé. Over his career, Jim has worked the restaurant floor, rose to top management at the 3rd largest wholesaler in IL, managed a 7 state territory as an importer prior to joining Hogsalt as wine director. Jim has helped otustusssrganize an annual, immersive, 2-day hospitality and tasting boot camp for the wine industry drawing participants from across the United States and is regarded as one of the most coveted sommeliers in the industry.

Jim is also a Board member and treasurer of Second City Sommeliers Tasting group in Chicago. Jim was the 2016 National TopSomm second place finisher and 2017 Guildsomm Online Competition winner.

Jim will host a master class at the upcoming USA Trade Tasting on October 17-18 in Chicago on Day 1. The master class will showcase 6 top winners of 2023 Sommeliers Choice Awards and why it makes a lot of sense for wine directors and sommeliers to stock these wines. Jim will also focus his talk on how sommeliers can increase wine sales in their restaurants, what does a good wine list look like? What metrics to look for in your beverage programs, How to suggest a wine to your guest and more.

“I think it is very important to understand the clientele of the restaurant and the desired market. It's imperative that our servers are well trained and can confidently sell our selections. Loading our lists up that does not resonate with our guests and stresses the staff out is counterproductive.” says Jim Bube.

The master class has a limited seating of 100 people and is on the first come basis. The master class tickets are $30 till September 30 and then prices will go up to $50. We encourage you to get your tickets here and RSVP.

Don’t miss your chance to learn from Jim and taste top wines from Sommeliers Choice Awards.