Why The San Francisco Giants Just Added A Wine Sommelier To Its Roster

Master Sommelier, you say? That sounds highfalutin. A Master Sommelier is someone who has achieved the highest level possible of wine education and training, usually through an organization like the Court of Master Sommeliers (per Master Class). In a sports industry first, the Giants have partnered with Evan Goldstein, a leading figure in the world of wine who has been a fan of the team for his whole life (per Sports Illustrated).

Goldstein is a wine writer and the author of several books who likes to say he speaks three languages: wine, food, and the pairing of wine and food (in English, French, and Portuguese, per Serious Eats). In his collaboration with the Giants, the Master Sommelier will facilitate wine tastings, both in-person and through virtual programs, guide the selection of wines served at Oracle Park, and create wine and food combos for the ballpark and off-site Giants events (per The Drinks Business).

Goldstein seems like a good bet to hit the program out of the park. “Wine, like baseball, is an experience — it creates and impacts memories and brings people together,” he said. “Delicious wines can be mainstream and accessible, and as happy being alongside a hot dog as a premium steak.”