Brian Smith

Brian was a somm at Charlie Palmer's Aureole in Las Vegas and later Wine Director at Clo Wine Bar in NYC. He is the man behind Loca Linda wines, a project that serves as an excuse to travel to Argentina a few times a year. Brian is an Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers.

When did your love affair with wine begin?
1999 Jackson Hole Wyoming – 1998 Clos du Caillou Côtes Du Rhône – first wine I ever bought by the case. It was an amazing value at the time that is drinking beautifully today. Luckily, I hid some from myself and have been able to get to know this wine over time.

Favorite places to eat/drink/play?
I like to play in warm uncrowded waves and untracked bowls filled with fresh powder.
I like to day drink anywhere with a view.
I like to eat food in foreign lands and my friend’s restaurants – always a superior experience.

What is one quirky thing no one knows about you?
I’m addicted to 7’s. When I set a clock or an alarm or pump gas I always end it on the number 7.

If you were throwing a dinner party, who would you invite?
Charlie Sheen & Aaron Forman.

Who do you adore as a style icon?
My son, he’s not afraid of bright colors, matching stripes and clashing patterns.

What do you love most about your job?
Freedom, creativity and responsibility. When you drink wine, you experience something special from a specific spot on the planet with a completely unique history. These are fun stories to tell, especially when they involve the sensory experience of drinking wine.

Favorite city to visit?
Brooklyn keeps on taking it.

What is your current style obsession?
Tom Dixon lighting, wallpaper patterns, sneakers, anything designed by real skaters, military watches. I also seem to have a lot of gingham right now.

Who is your palate icon?
The Master Sommelier candidate who is in peak training for his exam. I respect the dedication and focus and discipline it takes to blind taste at that level. There is nothing more impressive than a good blind taster. It’s the ultimate skill and far more difficult than people think.

Who is your favorite musician/band?
DJ Adog – perfect blend of 90’s hip hop, reggae and rare groove refixes. We did our first mixtape collab with him this summer: “DJ Adog Vs Loca Linda: Summer Flavor”.

Who has influenced you most?
I’ve been lucky enough to have many mentors but I’d have to give props to my family above all.

Any closing words of wisdom?
An hour of worry for a minute of work – I’ve tried to teach myself that – not easy.