evan turner, sommelier
For Evan Turner, sommelier for Alden-Houston's award-winning restaurant, *17, it was a fascination with the combination of art and science that is wine, coupled with the theatre of serving guests, that inspired him to become a sommelier.
"Forget about the scores! Drinking wine is never done wearing a lab coat, in a clean room, with a wine glass in one hand and a clip board in the other, determining a rating for a wine," said Turner of his philosophy towards wine. "Wine, like most things in life, is about the moment."
Prior to joining *17, Turner, a Norfolk, VA native who's lived in four countries, eight states and five major cities, served as wine director at Palladin in New York, where he was greatly inspired by Chef Jean Louis Palladin. "The man was very inspirational, a true genius. It was a brilliant experience working for him," recalls Turner. More recently, Turner served as sommelier at The Strip House in downtown Houston, general manager at The Tasting Room at River Oaks and wine director at Bank by Jean-George.
Ask Turner his thoughts on the Houston wine scene and *17 and he becomes quite impassioned. "It is a staggeringly interesting time to be in involved with wine in Houston. There is a revolution occurring regarding wine in this city and I am lucky to be right in the thick of it." Of *17 he says "It reminds me of my days in New York," admitting his time on the East Coast still brings a smile to his face. "It's a joyful challenge to work here, I know something special is happening at *17 and I am thrilled to be a part of if."
Certified as a sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, he'll sit for his advanced levels in 2009.
