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