Culinary Partner Program
A Sommelier-Led Wine Partner for Culinary Professionals
Sippin Somm Wines is a licensed wine retailer specializing in curated, boutique wines for private events, tasting menus, and elevated dining experiences. Led by a professional sommelier, we provide wine pairing consulting, event wine sourcing, and on-site sommelier services designed specifically for chefs and culinary teams.
We collaborate intentionally — supporting your culinary vision without competing for the spotlight. From sourcing distinctive wines to managing logistics and service, Sippin Somm Wines acts as a strategic wine partner for chefs seeking seamless, professionally aligned wine programs.
Why Partner with Us?
- Sommelier Expertise: Unique Small Production wines that enhance the menu
- Customization: Wine selections curated to menu, budget, and event goals
- Guest Experience: High quality wines + education/narrative element makes for memorable events
- Simplified Logistics: Custom wine plans and event support that reduces stress for hosts/partners
Collaboration Pathways
For large - scale catered events
Event Wines
Designed for weddings, corporate events, and large private gatherings where wine needs to appeal to a wide range of guests
Best for:
- Large guest counts
- Full catering staff
- Broad - appeal wine selections
- High volume service
Sippin Somm Wines:
- Consults with host on wines complementary to the menu
- Offers event wine tasting with deposit
- Procures wines and handles delivery
Event wine pricing is offered exclusively for volume and scale. Minimum order required.
For intimate, experience-driven events & dinners
Wine Pairing Wines
Designed for smaller gaatherings where wine is a featured part of the experience and thoughtfully paired with each course.
Best for:
- Private Dinners & Chef's Tables
- Tasting Menus
- Milestone Celebrations
- Client or Donor Appreciation or Fundraising Events
Sippin Somm Wines:
- Directly collaborates with the culinary partner
- Designs, with chef, course by course pairing options
- Optional Sommelier - led service
This experience prioritizes expertise and attention to detail.
How It Works
FAQs
Is there a referral incentive or revenue share for culinary partners?
Yes. Culinary partners receive a referral incentive for events they refer to Sippin Somm Wines.
The current referral incentive is outlined in the Culinary Partner Agreement
Referral incentives apply per referred event, including repeat clients, provided the culinary partner remains involved in the event.
This is a referral incentive, not a revenue-sharing or commission structure
Is there a cost to join the program?
No. There is no application fee, membership fee, or minimum commitment.
Is participation exclusive?
No. Culinary partners are free to work with other wine professionals or retailers.
Who owns the client relationship once a referral is made?
The client relationship is shared and collaborative.
The culinary partner maintains their relationship with the client as the food professional.
Sippin Somm Wines maintains the wine services relationship for the scope of wine consulting, sourcing, and service.
Neither party claims exclusivity over the client outside the scope of the event.
Will Sippin Somm Wines market directly to my clients after the event?
No. Sippin Somm Wines does not market directly to referred clients without consent.
Clients may independently opt into Sippin Somm Wines’ mailing list, retail offerings, or future services, but Sippin Somm Wines does not automatically solicit referred clients.
Does Sippin Somm Wines work directly with the client?
Yes, when wine services are contracted.
Sippin Somm Wines may communicate directly with the client regarding:
- Wine selections and sourcing
- Timelines and approvals
- Delivery and service logistics
All communication is collaborative and respectful of the culinary partner’s role.
How collaborative is the wine pairing process with the culinary partner?
Highly collaborative.
Sippin Somm Wines views the culinary partner as the creative lead on the menu. Pairings are built to support:
- Flavor balance
- Texture
- Pacing
- Overall guest experience
Sippin Somm Wines does not override the culinary partner's vision, but may offer technical or practical guidance when needed.
How much time commitment is required from the chef during planning?
Proportional to the service level.
For most wine pairing events:
- One initial menu discussion
- One pairing review or approval
- Updates only if the menu changes
- Discussion or coordination of event timing when on-site sommelier service is requested
- If printed menu is provided to guests, collaboration in printed menu production
Sippin Somm Wines handles wine research, sourcing, and logistics.
Can a culinary partner participate on a trial or case-by-case basis?
Yes. Participation does not require long-term commitment. Many partners begin on a case-by-case basis.
However, a signed Partner Agreement is required.
Current Culinary Partners
Access the Culinary Partner Resource Folder, containing:
- Full Culinary Partner Program Guide
- Partner Agreement
- Brand Usage Guidelines
- Client FAQ Talking Points
- Marketing Sell Sheets
- Event Wines Policy
- Wine Pairing Wines Policy
Access provided upon partnership confirmation