Student of the Year

From Slam Poetry to Somm Success: A Conversation with Anna Binkovitz In this episode of After Wine School, host Keith Wallace interviews Anna Binkovitz, the newly named Sommelier Student of the Year at the Wine School of Philadelphia. They discuss Anna's unconventional journey from being a nationally ranked slam poet to becoming a service manager at one of the top restaurants in Philly. Anna shares insights into her career shift, her experiences with sparkling wine, and why she believes Philadelphia is an ideal city for wine enthusiasts. The conversation also touches upon the challenges and rewards of working in the restaurant industry, making poetry and hospitality accessible, and Anna's future aspirations in wine education and hospitality. 00:00 Introduction to After Wine School 00:04 Meet Anna Binkovitz: From Slam Poet to Sommelier 02:50 Anna's Journey to Philadelphia 05:04 The Impact of COVID-19 on Careers 06:22 Discovering the Wine School of Philadelphia 07:54 Anna's Rise in the Hospitality Industry 14:46 Comparing Poets and Chefs 15:57 Personal Anecdotes and Reflections 19:10 A Theologian's Household 19:23 Family Dynamics and Religion 20:11 Hospitality and Poetry 23:35 Restaurant Anecdotes 25:07 The Value of Restaurant Experience 34:45 Dreams and Aspirations 37:05 Conclusion and Farewell 👉 Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub