Natalie Tapken is the lead sommelier and beverage director at Bluepoint Hospitality Group in Easton, MD. Ladies in Beverage is a part of our 2024 Beverage Trade Inclusion complement.
How did you get into the beverage alcohol enterprise?
My first restaurant job was in center college working at my aunt’s pizza parlor. I then labored at a steakhouse in highschool the place I all the time beloved successful the wine contest for highest weekend gross sales. The successful server acquired a free meal of their selecting, which was fairly a deal with for a highschool pupil on a price range.
My subsequent job was at Café Atlantico in Washington D.C., the place I totally immersed myself into the world of wines. The chef and philanthropist José Andres took me below his wing and shared wonderful and distinctive data of meals, wine and hospitality. The wine courses and tastings on the eating places have been so eye-opening and I relished the chance to dive headfirst into the world of wine and superb eating.
Whereas attaining a graduate diploma in philosophy, I used to be drawn into the New York culinary scene. Needing to earn extra cash as all college students do, I discovered myself working at high eating places within the metropolis, in addition to Wine and Spirits journal. In 2006, I accepted the job as wine director for Lure Fishbar in SoHo and the remaining is historical past.
Did you could have a mentor within the business? Have you ever been a mentor to others?
I’ve many mentors within the business, however the one who stands out is [wine expert/importer] Becky Wasserman. A lot has been written about Becky Wasserman since her premature passing in 2021. Her accomplishments have been many, and he or she touched numerous individuals in our business.
Becky was one of many first feminine importers to personal her personal firm, however she didn’t cease there; she employed predominantly feminine workers. Becky confirmed the business that ladies may run and execute a enterprise as nicely if not higher than males. She all the time acted with integrity and tried to construct younger individuals up within the business. She inspired me to maneuver into the world of import and distribution and I couldn’t have my profession at the moment with out her steering.
I attempt to honor Becky’s legacy by being a mentor to different younger girls within the wine business. Becky additionally began her wine enterprise as a mom of two younger boys. She confirmed me which you can construct an expert profession whereas additionally elevating a household. Now a mom of three myself, I mentor different younger moms within the business on tips on how to steadiness a house life with out sacrificing one’s profession.
Have you ever confronted challenges as a girl in a management place in what’s nonetheless a male-dominated business?
I’m very fortunate to have all the time labored in firms which have inspired girls in management positions. I acknowledge that I’m in a singular scenario as a lot of my friends nonetheless describe antiquated male dominated work environments. In my present position with Bluepoint Hospitality, I’m totally supported as a girl and mom of three.
How has your organization benefited from having girls on the desk making selections?
Bluepoint Hospitality has benefited drastically from having girls on the desk making selections. Paul Prager, the founding father of Bluepoint Hospitality, has employed many ladies to management positions and depends closely on their counsel. This is without doubt one of the many causes I like to name Bluepoint Hospitality dwelling.
Do you assume the beverage alcohol business has improved so far as girls and gender DEI prior to now 5 years?
The beverage and alcohol business has made huge strides within the space of gender equality and inclusivity. I bear in mind once I was pregnant with my first youngster 12 years in the past. It was nearly extraordinary for a pregnant lady to work on the ground as a sommelier. I ignored the norm and labored the ground till inside only a few days of my daughter’s beginning.
I don’t consider myself as a groundbreaker however I do hope that my instance made it simpler for different pregnant girls to work within the hospitality business with out disgrace or censure. I’ve had many sommeliers attain out when pregnant to hunt recommendation on hospitality and motherhood.
What recommendation do you could have for individuals (girls specifically) seeking to get into the beverage alcohol business?
The very best recommendation I can provide to younger individuals, and younger girls specifically, who want to get into the beverage alcohol business is to be true to your self and by no means let a boss or coworker make you are feeling like you will need to compromise who you might be. I’d additionally advise making an attempt as many various jobs as attainable within the business to study as a lot as attainable in regards to the enterprise facet.
Engaged on each the wholesale and hospitality sides has been invaluable when making selections and studying tips on how to conduct enterprise. The service business is its personal ecosystem with a plethora of alternatives for somebody to seek out their true calling; so don’t be afraid to style the completely different flavors, it’s one of the simplest ways to develop a complicated palette!
