Meet Jason Smith
Jason Smith developed his affinity for wine accidentally. Dreams of being a chef led him to enroll in the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., but he pivoted after a required course in wine education sparked an enduring passion. After graduating with honors from the Culinary Institute of America, Jason passed the rigorous Master Sommelier examination in 2005, becoming one of only 172 to hold this title in North America.
It wasn’t long before Jason had the opportunity to demonstrate his wine expertise in leadership positions at acclaimed venues including Mobil Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond Award-winners, The Little Nell in Aspen and Charlie Trotter’s in Chicago. During his service at Charlie Trotter’s, Jason was honored to author wine notes for two of the respected chef’s cookbooks: “Raw” and “Workin’ More Kitchen Sessions with Charlie Trotter.”
Jason then brought his skills to Bellagio Resort & Casino, where he began as a Sommelier at Michael Mina Bellagio before his promotion to Director of Wine two years later. There, he oversaw wine operations across the entire resort, including wine sales and service, and led wine education of all Bellagio employees, among other responsibilities. In 2016, Jason took these skills to the next level at MGM Resorts International, assuming the role of Executive Director of Wine, where he oversaw the wine program for 20 resorts nationwide.
With two decades of experience in the wine world and an impressive tenure in the luxury hospitality industry, Jason is uniquely positioned to serve as the General Manager of the Ultra Luxury & Icon Wine portfolio at Constellation Brands, which is part of the company’s Aspira Fine Wine and Craft Spirits Division. Using his consumer-facing background, Jason oversees the business, sales and marketing strategies for world-class wineries including Schrader Cellars, Double Diamond and To Kalon Vineyard Company through wine education and service.
Jason was awarded “Wine Director of the Year” in 2016 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine and the title “Best Young Sommelier in America” in 2005 by L’Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs (Worldwide Order of Gourmet Tasters), an organization dedicated to promoting wine education and enjoyment. He has regularly appeared in media including Wine Spectator, Cigar Aficionado, Wine & Spirits, FOOD & WINE and Wine Enthusiast and has presented at culinary events such as Aspen FOOD & WINE, FOOD & WINE All-Star Weekend, Bon Appetit’s Vegas Uncork’d, Taste Washington and Telluride Wine and Food Festival.