Louis Koppel, CWE

After successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree at Utah State University, Louis wanted to pursue a “career” as a ski bum.  To finance his ski pass he found himself serving at Snowbird, the next year he saw something that inspired him.  His manager was given a glass of wine and blindly identified the wine (`99 Cabernet from Sonoma, he’ll never forget it), he heard him describe its aromatics, fruit and texture and was impressed as well as inspired.  How could one smell a glass of wine and create such a telling story?  That summer during a trip to Yosemite, his girlfriend (now wife) persuaded him to stop and visit a few Napa Valley tasting rooms.  Well, that was pretty much it.  Having minored in English, he loved the idea of writing about the wines he tasted and only hoped one day he would be able to recite a beautiful tale from a glass of wine.  Three years of serving at Snowbird and one at Spencer’s, the job of wine host was offered to him, six years later he now resides as the Sommelier in charge of wine and spirits.  The list is a direct reflection of him, currently with over 500 wines with emphasis on breadth and power, he tells stories of wine each night with fervor and zealous.   Louis has been back to Napa as well as Sonoma, Paso Robles Washington, Oregon and Northern Italy.  He now writes on a tasting panel for Cheers Magazine and has had hundreds of his tasting notes published.  He has been interviewed on his thoughts about wine & food for Cheers magazine and has written articles for Salt Lake Magazine and City Weekly.   He has earned his Certified Sommelier title from The Court of Master Sommeliers and the Certified Wine Educator certificate from The Society of Wine Educators.   His passion for wine is relentless, and says he thrives on service and loves the hospitality industry.