Raphael Ginsburg graduated with a B.A. in history from Stanford. At his first post-college job at Pete Miller’s Seafood & Prime Steak in Evanston, IL, Raphael was offered a management position after six months of hosting and serving. He was responsible for the staff of 50+ and directed the wine list that had more than 200 selections.
After moving to New York in 2007, Raphael worked as the Assistant Manager at Docks Oyster Bar, the Sommelier/Manager at Felidia and the Sommelier at A Voce – Columbus Circle. Raphael is currently the Sommelier at Ai Fiori, the New York restaurant opened by Michelin-starred chef Michael White.
Raphael’s wine training has included Blind Tasting and Viticulture & Vinification at American Sommelier and Introductory Sommelier and Certified Sommelier Exam at Court of Master Sommeliers.
In 2008, Raphael served as a harvest intern at Lenz Winery & Bedell Cellars on Long Island. He was a semi-finalist in the Best Sommelier in America 2009 and is looking forward to this year’s competition.