“We can’t be making these beverages too precious. Wine is supposed to be approachable and to be a shared experience.”
There is a deep-seated power that emanates from someone who is firmly rooted in their values and knows the true ‘why’ behind their actions. This doesn’t come quick, nor without intense reflection. For Scott Ota, a purpose-driven life is what has guided him, and few people in the industry are as devoted to their convictions as he is, making him one of the biggest game-changers in the biz. Join us as we explore: how can one person with the right vision change an entire industry? How can the combination of wine and hip hop forever change one somm’s outlook on the wine list? And how does developing the right mantra unlock a worthwhile life and career path?
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Scott Ota, Co-Founder, Second Growth, San Antonio
In 2005, Scott began his career in restaurants to help pay for college, and never left the business. From fine dining, to hotels, to wine bars, sharing his love for wine and hospitality has been his mission. In 2016, he moved to San Antonio to help build High Street Wine Co. as its General Manager & Beverage Director. Currently, he is working on a new business venture, Second Growth, slated to open at the end of the year. Scott’s accolades include the following: Somms Under Fire champion 2013, TexSom champion 2013, Rudd Scholar at his Court of Master Sommeliers Advanced exam 2014, named one of Wine & Spirits Magazine’s ‘Best New Sommeliers’ 2014, TopSomm national finalist in 2016 and named one of Food & Wine Magazine’s ‘Tastemakers to Revolutionize the Business’ in 2018.