Jonathan is an internationally award-winning Master Sommelier who has worked at Michelin-starred restaurants Aquavit and The Modern. He is the host of Vice Munchies’ The Wine Show and an Educator for Guildsomm, a membership organization of 10,000 sommeliers around the world. In 2023, Jonathan achieved the rank of Master Sommelier. In 2019, Jonathan won the Best Young Sommelier in America competition and went on to place 2nd in the Best Young Sommelier in the World. Jonathan is also a Certified Cicerone and an alumnus of Colby College.

Steven McDonald, MS, is Executive Wine Director for Pappas Bros. Steakhouses in Houston and Dallas, overseeing the wine programs and sommelier teams for three Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning restaurants. In 2024, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse – Houston Galleria earned The World of Fine Wine’s “Best Long Wine List in the World” and “Wine List of the Year,” while Steven received the inaugural Texas Michelin Guide Sommelier Award. A Master Sommelier since 2018, he has spent more than 14 years with Pappas Bros. and is a respected educator, speaker, mentor, and advocate for the sommelier profession.

This event is intended exclusively for wine and hospitality professionals. If you work in the food and beverage industry and sell, serve, purchase, promote, educate, or study wine—including sommeliers, bartenders, servers, beverage directors, wine buyers, distributors, importers, retailers, restaurateurs, and accredited wine media—you are welcome to attend. Registration is complimentary for qualified trade professionals.

Below are the options for parking upon arrival at the Swexan Hotel in the Hardwood District.

Hotel Valet: Valet parking is available at Hôtel Swexan (please enter via Moody Street). Valet parking is available for a fee.
Nearby Self-Parking: Paid self-parking is available at the nearby Harwood No. 6 Parking Garage (2501 N. Harwood St.), just a short walk from the hotel.
Street Parking: Limited metered street parking is available throughout the Harwood District on a first-come, first-served basis. Availability may be limited during business hours and nearby events.