Meet our favorite ‘Wine Guy’ here at The Culinary Center of Kansas City…
Brent Grider, Beverage Manager and Sommelier for Stock Hill Restaurant in Kansas City, teaches wine appreciation classes at the CCKC. Brent holds the title of Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommelier, and is certified through Bar Smarts™ for his knowledge of cocktails and spirits so, well, he knows his drinks and loves sharing his passion and knowledge with others.
He started in the beverage industry as a barista in several local coffee shops and worked his way up to management, including years with coffee giant Starbucks.
Next Brent began his foray into full-service restaurant management, beginning at an Italian restaurant on the Country Club Plaza, then with McCormick & Schimick’s. As Bar Manager there, Brent managed the wine and cocktail menus, beginning to put his tasting skills to work, providing guests a selection of wines and cocktails that worked in harmony with the menu.
Later, serving as General Manager at Benton’s Prime Steakhouse in the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center, Brent worked to gain recognition for Benton’s wine list and bar program. And he succeeded – Benton’s Prime Steakhouse was honored with the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine for a wine list that comprised of more than 200 selections of wine and with local recognition of “Best Bar†by the Pitch magazine. He went on to become Complex Director of Restaurants & Bars before moving to his current position as Beverage Manager & Sommelier for Stock Hill, where he continues to share his passion of wine and spirits with associates and guests any chance he gets.
We are lucky to have Brent share his knowledge and passion for wine and spirits at classes at The Culinary Center of Kansas City! Check out one of his upcoming classes:
Understanding Bordeaux Wine
Monday, September 25, 2017, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Demonstration | Wine Tasting & Appetizers
Explore one of the world’s most collectible and age-worthy wines.
Flavorful Weekend Nights:
Bourbon – American History in a Glass
Friday, October 27, 2017, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Demonstration | Bourbon Tastings & Appetizers
We’ll taste our way through Bourbons from Kentucky, Washington State, and beyond as we learn how it’s made and what makes it unique.
ABC’s of Wine Tasting
Tuesday, January 9, 2018, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Demonstration | Wine Tastings & Appetizers
Relax and sit back as you learn the basics about wine tasting (or refresh your skills) with a pro.
