our team
Adam, Co-founder
Even though this is his first foray into wine hospitality, Adam first started to appreciate wine when he came to the Bay Area in 1994 for law school. As he explored Napa and Sonoma, he came to love all the trappings of wine culture. He embraced wine education and even contemplated leaving the legal profession to become a sommelier - he acquired his WSET Level 2 with distinction in 2004. While he never made that career transition, he continues to learn and grow in his passion for wine and has had the privilege to visit dozens of wine regions globally over the last 30 years. To help overcome the common intimidation factor many people feel when new to wine, he's excited about giving guests a safe and supportive place to explore the amazing world of wine on their own terms.
Richard, Co-founder
Richard brings a wealth of experience as an operations leader in both the hospitality and healthcare industries, with a career that has taken him from the frozen Midwest to the vibrant heart of San Francisco—where the hills meet the thrill. A lifelong lover of food and travel, Richard discovered a deep appreciation for the world of wine along the way. His passion for exploration and learning continues to grow, and he’s excited to embarc on a journey of discovery alongside the team and guests.
Malcolm, Wine Guide
Malcolm is a Bay Area native. Having allergies growing up, he never found any love for food, being unable to try and experience most of the world’s cuisines. After a “History of Food” & “Chemical and Societal Effects of Wine” courses in college, he embarced upon a journey of culinary discovery, learning that he had outgrown most of his allergies. Over the next few years, Malcolm ate and drank his way through the city, earning his WSET Level 1 while working at staples of fine dining like Spruce, La Connessa, and Miller & Lux. A ravenous palate with a unique life story, he encourages self-discovery through food and beverage.
Zach, Wine Guide
After visiting San Francisco 15 years ago, Zach decided to stay. The allure of the diverse Bay Area, including easy access to the wine country and our wine culture, was too much to resist and has allowed him to gain extensive experience in hospitality and wine retail. Embarc’s approach to making wine exploration and education fun and more accessible is a big draw for Zach and is the main reason he decided to join us, and looking forward to continuing on his own wine journey along with our customers and the rest of the Embarc team!