“I find that the better you dress, the more you can get away with,” laughed Kyle Ridington, Chef Sommelier at Piora in New York City, as he was awarded America’s “Best Dressed Somm” of 2015 at Penfolds’ + GQ Magazine’s 2nd annual title event this week at Stephan Weiss Studios in New York’s West Village.
Joined by a panel of finalists including Matt Bostick, Sommelier at Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles; Taylor Grant, Wine Director at Scope Italian Roots in Los Angeles; Nico Snyman, Sommelier at Joël Robuchon at the Mansion in Las Vegas; and Elphin Murren, General Manager at Kingside Restaurant in New York City, Ridington started his official reign as “Best Dressed Somm” by debuting the Penfolds’ 2015 Collection – including the highly acclaimed 2011 Grange.
Peter Gago, Penfolds’ Chief Winemaker, was on hand from Australia, along with GQ Executive Stylist Brett Fahlgren, celebrity chef/style guru Marcus Samuelsson, and Designer Rachel Roy — who were among those who judged the finalists of “Best Dressed Somm.”
Over the last months, Sommeliers from across North America were invited to show off their most dapper photos for the chance to win the coveted title. The event’s five finalists — four men and one woman — had a certain something… and it wan’t just their clothes… that the judges felt paired perfectly with Penfolds’ wines.
“Style is such a common denominator,” said Roy. “No matter where you are born and what you are born into, style is something that we can all have. And it can change how we feel about ourselves: our mood and our perspective. Whether it’s a beautifully curated meal, or a beautiful glass of wine… those are also things that can change our perspective. Because when we are presented with wine in a restaurant those things matter: the grace, the personality, and the style in which it is presented.”
This year’s winner agreed that it wasn’t an accolade to be taken casually. “Even on my days off, I usually wear a jacket, because for me… it’s a lifestyle,” he said. “So much is judged upon first appearance and looks, and I think it’s important to always put yourself in the best situation possible.”
