Newly engaged Kevin Patterson is the tasting room manager of Russian River Valley’s Gary Farrell Winery, named among the Top Wine Producers in the World by Wine Spectator. Learn about Kevin Patterson…
Hometown: Healdsburg, CA
First job: Lifeguard at a pool in Pacifica, CA. I was a competitive swimmer/water polo player, so it was easy to get some water time!
Favorite ways to spend your free time in California: I love going for hikes through the redwoods, trying new restaurants, trips to the coast and lazy days on the river. I’m so fortunate to live in Sonoma Country, one of nature’s chosen spots on Earth.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Becoming a Certified Specialist of Wine. It was a complex exam that I studied for over the course of several months. The exam requires extensive knowledge of the world of wine, from different varietals, regions, labeling laws and much more.
The biggest obstacle you have overcome: I met an amazing woman in California while she was visiting on vacation from Chicago in February 2019; our connection was strong, and we were able to cultivate a beautiful relationship even from a distance. It was challenging being two time zones and a plane ride apart, but absolutely worth it. We got engaged in February 2020, and couldn’t be happier for the future ahead!
Someone who inspires you and why: It’s a surprisingly tough question, because I am inspired in some way by almost everyone I meet. Everyone has a gift to offer, you just have to find it. I think that philosophy was first ingrained in me by Mr. Rogers, so I guess you could say he inspires me still to this day.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Hospitality should be at the center of everything you do, whether career-related or personal, and whether you work in a hospitality-centric industry or not. It’s remarkable how far you can get by treating everyone you encounter with a sense of genuine appreciation and respect.
Favorite quote: “You can fool some people sometimes, but you can’t fool all the people all the time.” -Bob Marley
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: My fiancée says I do great impressions.
What makes someone fabulous in your own words: A fabulous person is someone who pulls you in with an infectious energy, someone you want to be around for reasons that are beyond description. Someone who brings out the best in others and fills the gaps in who we strive to be in our own lives.