Rachel Driver Speckan: Culinary Interview Series

Welcome to our new Culinary Interview Series! Neighbors of West Loop intends to shed some light on the culinary talents that operate in our backyard that is the West Loop of Chicago.

I figured that we might as well kick this project off with a nice glass of vino, so who better to begin with than Rachel Driver Spreckan, National Wine Director at City Winery. Rachel is one of four nominated finalists in the Best Sommelier category of the Jean Banchet Awards, which were announced last week.

Rachel brought me a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, and shared some of her story and her connection to the West Loop. Cheers!

When did you start at City Winery and what do you do?

I joined City Winery as the Beverage Director in May of 2012. In February of 2014, I began to also work as the Wine Education Director for City Winery, traveling between locations to train staff and collaborate on course material and programming for our wine education events. As of mid-March 2016, I transitioned to the role of National Wine Director.

In this capacity, I am the national liaison for the Beverage Director team and driving the vision, flavor and palate of the wine program on a national level, weaving international wine selections into the culinary experience and cultural experience of the winery and music venue. I coordinate beverage education and sales / service training for the staff at each local location, but, also create content and wine education courses for clientele. And, I collaborate on partnerships with industry leaders and wineries. We strive to maintain a strong presence in the local wine scene and create award winning wine lists. And, all that fun is balanced by the operational, accounting, and reporting capacity of the position.

 

Where do you live and what do you think is special about the West Loop?

I recently moved to Des Plaines, but I spend about ten+ hours per day in the West Loop, so it feels like home. It is where I dine, drink and shop! The West Loop in an amazing, collaborative and comfortable community for industry folks! La Colombe seems like the living room – an industry meeting or rendezvous is always happening. My work is my social life, so I can’t imagine being in a better neighborhood than the West Loop! The drive of the local business owners is remarkable, and, I love the diversity of the industry scene…there is little reason to venture beyond the neighborhood! 

 

Does City Winery do anything special or unique for residents of the West Loop?

Yes! We feel incredibly rooted in the neighborhood. Our grape vines are thriving in the soil and driving roots, literally, deep into the land. We definitely cultivate the opportunity to be a place for regulars to nestle up to the bar and have a glass of wine and see friends, so we do as much for our neighbors as possible. We send out specials in local mailers, and we try to connect with as many residential buildings in the neighborhood as possible by doing mini-tastings in the lobbies of buildings, offering relevant and interesting wine event programming, local music, and welcoming feedback to be even better suited to meeting the needs of the neighborhood. And, the winery is awash in the terroir of the West Loop!

 

What does it mean to you to be nominated for Best Sommelier for the Jean Banchet Awards?

Such a pleasant surprise! Left me quite breathless, to be honest. The nomination is deeply moving and means so much to me because it is a serious indication that I have made an impression on the Chicago restaurant and wine industry. The nomination process to become a Jean Banchet Award Nominee is conducted by your peers on a write-in basis, so this type of recognition means that I am doing something remarkable in the field of very qualified and notable beverage professionals. It really is refreshing to be recognized for being an exceptional sommelier.

This year has been a big challenge, but, also very exhilarating. I was able to achieve the distinction of passing the Court of Master Sommeliers Advanced Exam after years of study and service. And, I am also expecting my second child (any day now!). The travel and promotion and moving were all quite the whirlwind amidst the most amazing season yet for City Winery on the Chicago Riverwalk and the busiest and best year yet at City Winery. We were able to host a wonderful and robust array of public wine event programming and keep the wine flowing! So, I am incredibly thrilled at the professional development, educational opportunities, and service as sommelier at City Winery. So exciting!

As told to: Brian Ferber, Neighbors of West Loop