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Dustin Wilson

Master Sommelier, Co-Founder | Verve Wine, Apres Cru Hospitality
Stay humble, focus on the guest.

Podcasts

Culinary Agents
Sep 9, 2025
Hospitality On The Rise Podcast
EP 26: Dustin Wilson

Experience

2020 - Present
Co-Founder
2016 - Present
Co-Founder
Verve WineNYC, San Francisco, Chicago
2011 - 2015
Wine Director
2010 - 2011
Sommelier
RN74San Francisco, CA
2008 - 2010
Sommelier and Bar Manager
2005 - 2008
Backwaiter, Server, Sommelier

Education

2011 - 2011
Master Sommelier

Advice from Dustin Wilson

Quotes about career path, skills, and teamwork from an industry leader.
When hiring, I look for professionals who are resourceful, independent, kind, empathetic, smart, and ambitious.
Most everything else can be taught.
In this line of work, you need to understand people—how to read them, and how to take great care of them.
Set your boundaries and stick to them.
That's much easier said than done, but it's so important. Sleep, drink water, eat healthy, exercise, and make time for friends and loved ones. If you protect your time for all of that, you're much less likely to burn out. If you're in an environment where others don't respect those boundaries, you're in the wrong environment.
I listen to the podcasts "The Ezra Klein Show" & "The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway." I also listen to a lot of audio books (whatever I'm feeling at the time) and read the news on AP News daily.
I find inspiration everywhere.
I find that if you keep your eyes and your mind open at all times, just about anything or anyone you come in contact with can inspire you in some way. Finding inspiration, to me, is mostly about recognizing that we can always improve ourselves and that we're never "done" evolving, and keeping a mindset that searches out positivity in everything around you.

Roles in Wine & Beverage

Check out the newest job opportunities in your area and level up your career.

Bartender

Claremont, CA
Part Time
 
Apply$17/hr

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