In the latest episode of the GuildSomm blind tasting podcast, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe pours a white wine for two Master Sommeliers from opposite sides of the country while chatting with them about their approaches to blind tasting, what has been challenging for them, and how they apply blind tasting skills to their work. Rebecca Fineman is a partner in San Francisco restaurants Ungrafted and Glou Glou and has previously written for GuildSomm. Scott Tyree works out of Freeport, Maine, as an educator and consultant, and he spends part of the year in Cape Town, South Africa.
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Scott Tyree, a sommelier, consultant, and educator based in Freeport, Maine, has over 30 years of hospitality experience. His career highlights include serving as wine director at Michelin-starred Tru in Chicago, where he earned two Best Sommelier awards (2003, 2005) and led a James Beard-nominated wine program that won Wine Spectator’s Grand Award (2005). He later directed the wine program at Michelin-starred Sepia, earning a third Best Sommelier title.
In 2010, Tyree founded Thieves’ Hours Wine Co., specializing in hospitality training, cellar management, and education. He also served as wine director at James Beard-nominated Central Provisions in Portland, Maine. A dual resident of Maine and Cape Town, South Africa, he earned the Master Sommelier diploma in 2019.
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Rebecca’s journey into the restaurant industry was serendipitous. After studying Music and Anthropology at Pomona College in Claremont, California, she spent a Fulbright year in South Korea and attended graduate school in Honolulu. Returning to New York City in her late 20s, she worked in publishing by day and took a restaurant job at night to make ends meet. This sparked a passion for the restaurant world, leading her to set aside her literary ambitions to immerse herself in food and wine.
She went on to build her career at some of San Francisco’s most renowned establishments, including Gary Danko, Sociale, and High Treason, quickly rising through the ranks. Encouraged by a mentor, Rebecca began pursuing certifications, climbing the Court of Master Sommeliers’ rigorous testing ladder.
In 2017, Rebecca became the 25th female Master Sommelier in the United States and one of just 249 Master Sommeliers worldwide. Outside of work, she enjoys running, playing classical music, and spending time with her two young daughters.
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