Juan Cortés: Michelin Sommelier, Master of Pairing

Join Wine Pros on the Go for a conversation with one of the most respected voices in hospitality and wine: Juan Fernando Cortés, recipient of the 2023 MICHELIN Guide Atlanta Sommelier Award, and Co-Founder of the David Bowie-Inspired Atlanta Wine Bar, Under Pressure. Known for his thoughtful approach to service, fearless creativity, and deep respect for both food and wine, Juan has spent more than a decade crafting unforgettable dining experiences across some of the world's most acclaimed restaurants. Along the way, he has mentored rising sommeliers, challenged conventional thinking, and helped redefine what exceptional hospitality can look like. In this episode, we explore Juan's journey through the wine world, his philosophy on pairing, the lessons learned from Michelin-level service, and the role curiosity plays in creating memorable guest experiences. From translating terroir into emotion to finding harmony between a dish and a glass, Juan shares insights that reveal why great hospitality is as much about people as it is about wine. Whether you're a wine professional, hospitality leader, or simply someone who loves a great story, this conversation offers a rare look inside the mind of a sommelier whose influence extends far beyond the cellar. Wine Pros on the Go is produced in Atlanta, Georgia. Thank you for listening to Wine Pros on the Go. Hosted by sommelier and wine educator Lauren Crim, the podcast explores wine through the people, places, ideas, and stories that make it worth caring about—from the world's great regions and bottles to the voices shaping wine today. Because wine is more than what's in the glass. It's culture, history, geography, memory—and one of the best reasons to gather around a table. Subscribe to Wine Pros on the Go wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you enjoy the show, leave a rating and share it with someone who loves wine—or simply wants to understand it better. Better Wine. Better Stories. #WineProsOnTheGo #WinePodcast #WineEducation #Sommelier #WineCulture