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Natalie Tapken is the lead sommelier and beverage director at Bluepoint Hospitality Group in Easton, MD. Girls in Beverage is a part of our 2024 Beverage Trade Inclusion complement.
How did you get into the beverage alcohol enterprise?
My first restaurant job was in center faculty working at my aunt’s pizza parlor. I then labored at a steakhouse in highschool the place I at all times beloved successful the wine contest for highest weekend gross sales. The successful server obtained a free meal of their selecting, which was fairly a deal with for a highschool pupil on a price range.
My subsequent job was at Café Atlantico in Washington D.C., the place I absolutely immersed myself into the world of wines. The chef and philanthropist José Andres took me beneath his wing and shared superb and distinctive information of meals, wine and hospitality. The wine lessons and tastings on the eating places have been so eye-opening and I relished the chance to dive headfirst into the world of wine and fantastic eating.
Whereas attaining a graduate diploma in philosophy, I used to be drawn into the New York culinary scene. Needing to earn more money as all college students do, I discovered myself working at high eating places within the metropolis, in addition to Wine and Spirits journal. In 2006, I accepted the job as wine director for Lure Fishbar in SoHo and the remaining is historical past.
Did you might have a mentor within the business? Have you ever been a mentor to others?
I’ve many mentors within the business, however the one who stands out is [wine expert/importer] Becky Wasserman. A lot has been written about Becky Wasserman since her premature passing in 2021. Her accomplishments have been many, and he or she touched numerous folks in our business.
Becky was one of many first feminine importers to personal her personal firm, however she didn’t cease there; she employed predominantly feminine staff. Becky confirmed the business that girls may run and execute a enterprise as nicely if not higher than males. She at all times acted with integrity and tried to construct younger folks up within the business. She inspired me to maneuver into the world of import and distribution and I couldn’t have my profession immediately with out her steerage.
I attempt to honor Becky’s legacy by being a mentor to different younger ladies within the wine business. Becky additionally began her wine enterprise as a mom of two younger boys. She confirmed me that you could construct an expert profession whereas additionally elevating a household. Now a mom of three myself, I mentor different younger moms within the business on the way to steadiness a house life with out sacrificing one’s profession.
Have you ever confronted challenges as a lady in a management place in what’s nonetheless a male-dominated business?
I’m very fortunate to have at all times labored in firms which have inspired ladies in management positions. I acknowledge that I’m in a singular scenario as a lot of my friends nonetheless describe antiquated male dominated work environments. In my present function with Bluepoint Hospitality, I’m totally supported as a lady and mom of three.
How has your organization benefited from having ladies on the desk making selections?
Bluepoint Hospitality has benefited tremendously from having ladies on the desk making selections. Paul Prager, the founding father of Bluepoint Hospitality, has employed many ladies to management positions and depends closely on their counsel. This is likely one of the many causes I like to name Bluepoint Hospitality dwelling.
Do you assume the beverage alcohol business has improved so far as ladies and gender DEI previously 5 years?
The beverage and alcohol business has made huge strides within the space of gender equality and inclusivity. I bear in mind once I was pregnant with my first baby 12 years in the past. It was virtually exceptional for a pregnant lady to work on the ground as a sommelier. I ignored the norm and labored the ground till inside only a few days of my daughter’s delivery.
I don’t consider myself as a groundbreaker however I do hope that my instance made it simpler for different pregnant ladies to work within the hospitality business with out disgrace or censure. I’ve had many sommeliers attain out when pregnant to hunt recommendation on hospitality and motherhood.
What recommendation do you might have for folks (ladies particularly) trying to get into the beverage alcohol business?
The most effective recommendation I can provide to younger folks, and younger ladies particularly, who need to get into the beverage alcohol business is to be true to your self and by no means let a boss or coworker make you are feeling like you have to compromise who you might be. I’d additionally advise attempting as many alternative jobs as potential within the business to study as a lot as potential in regards to the enterprise facet.
Engaged on each the wholesale and hospitality sides has been invaluable when making selections and studying the way to conduct enterprise. The service business is its personal ecosystem with a plethora of alternatives for somebody to seek out their true calling; so don’t be afraid to style the completely different flavors, it’s one of the simplest ways to develop a classy palette!
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