Ep. 2792 How to Become an Exceptional Wine Professional in Today’s Hospitality Market with Scott Ota | TEXSOM 2026

Welcome back to TEXSOM 2026 and Episode 2792 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Jessica Dupuy interviews longtime friend and fellow wine professional Scott Ota, sommelier and Culinary Institute of America instructor.

As old friends, Jessica and Scott reflect on their shared journey in wine. Scott talks about the community and camaraderie that make TEXSOM special, as well as his unique role at the Culinary Institute of America, where he teaches students from their first through final semester. He also shares what it takes to succeed in today’s hospitality industry and what the next generation of wine professionals needs most.

The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a Media Partner of TEXSOM for the third year in a row, supporting one of the most influential wine events in North America.

Join us at TEXSOM 2026 as Texas-based wine journalist Jessica Dupuy interviews top writers, journalists, sommeliers, and wine professionals at this highly influential wine event. In this special series, Jessica delves into the experiences and insights of key attendees, exploring career paths, challenges, and the latest trends in the wine industry.

More about today's guest:

Scott Ota is a sommelier and wine educator based in Texas, and an instructor at the Culinary Institute of America. He built his career in San Antonio's wine scene, notably leading the wine program at High Street Wine Co. at the Pearl, and has been recognized by Wine & Spirits Magazine as one of America's Best New Sommeliers and by Food & Wine Magazine as a 2018 Tastemaker to Revolutionize the Business. He holds Level III certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers and won the TEXSOM sommelier competition in 2013.

Connect:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-ota/

Website: https://www.ciachef.edu/ 

_______________________________

Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/