Christy Fuhrman developed an early affinity to the culture surrounding food, wine, and the arts as a native of New Orleans. A childhood surrounded by art easily lead Christy to art school at Columbia College, where Chicago quickly became home. Christy followed a path, as many students do in a thriving metropolis, and began to bartend to supplement a degree in the arts. The beverage world struck a cord with Christy, as her career has been fueled by a need to learn and grow. The hunger for continual career evolution in the beverage world led Christy to retail. After learning the ropes in retail, connecting books to bottles, Christy set out to hone her skills in the restaurant world, taking a job on the service and wine team at the iconic Charlie Trotter’s. It was on the small stretch of Armitage Ave. working with Chef Trotter, where Christy took her love of the arts and learned fine dining, as well as the importance of food and wine at the table, alongside genuine service.

After leaving Charlie Trotter’s Christy worked at many highly regarded restaurants in Chicago and New York. She was the Chicago Reader’s 2016 Best of Chicago Best Sommelier. She is now working as an educator, consultant, judge, and writer. Christy is a certified Bordeaux Educator, Certified Cava Educator and Certified Maderia Educator. Christy currently holds her WSET diploma and is an Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers as well as a Certified Sake Professional.