Meet Rafael Peterson: Wine Director, Born and Raised

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rafael Peterson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rafael, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Like most during this crazy year, we were forced to pivot and adapt. Restaurant and bar workers made up 74% of job losses in December and were the leading industry for pandemic unemployment for the 11th straight month. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t come out of necessity. That being said, my passion IS wine. I’ve worked in the industry almost 15 years and I love what I do. Now I have the opportunity to continue doing what I love in my own way. I’ve always been inspired by people who connect others with wine, make it approachable, make it fun… that’s what I’ve set out to do with the HospitaliTV wine club. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Photography – my other true passion. It’s been the thing that has provided an escape from me, enabling me to go on adventures and explore, putting myself in unique situations just so I can capture a moment through my lens. It holds a very special place in my heart. My dad took some of the first color photographs in the Korean war, as a Marine, that were publish to Life magazine. I guess it runs in my blood.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Restaurant hopping in Little Italy. Stop by Vino Carta and see what Schuyler is pouring by the glass. Sunset drinks at Wonderland in OB, my favorite beach bar. Late night drinks at the Lions Share. Smoked fish tacos at the original Oscar’s in North PB Overnight trip to the dessert for stars and Milky Way

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Hell yes. A few. Aaron Elliot – Sommelier, Aqua SF. Without knowing he influenced me so much as I was just starting out in the business, demonstrated tremendous amounts of humility, patience, and charisma, all while being incredibly knowledgeable. The whole crew at Addison, San Diego, circa 2011. Rusti, Alex, Nicholas, Andrew, Jamie, Parker, Haley, David, Mitch, Angelo and everyone else… all taught me that if you really want something, you pursue it relentlessly, no matter what. Competition breeds more competition, and if you want to be the best you need to surround yourself with the best. Jason McLeod – Executive Chef, CH. Giving me the opportunity to do what I love to do in this city, and always provided guidance and mentorship even with a million things on his plate. Truly paving the way for the leader I can only hope to aspire to become one day.

Website: www.hospitalitv.com
Instagram: @winerelatedraff for photography / @hospitalitv for Hospitality Industry and Wine Club
Facebook: www.facebook.com/winerelatedraff
Youtube: https://youtu.be/vivqBA0lHWE
Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hospitalitv-podcast/id1397222851 https://open.spotify.com/show/7kYyHFJ6d4Nvp0T5y2A36A?si=3z2OeNppSC6k9RPxH2SHKA