Collective Retreats, the experiential travel company bringing luxury accommodations to unexpected destinations, today announced Jesse Rodriguez as Head Sommelier and Beverage Alchemist. Rodriguez, who comes to Collective Retreats with two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, will lead the brand’s national beverage program in this newly created role. His responsibilities will include overseeing new partnerships and promotions and collaborating with teams across the country to enhance service standards and onsite guest experiences. Rodriguez joins Collective Retreats as the brand continues to augment its world-class food and beverage program and usher in a new era of culinary craftsmanship at its properties.
“It’s an honor to have Jesse join the Collective Retreats family,” says President and Chief Operating Officer Josh Lesnick. “Collective Retreats offers a unique outdoor hospitality experience, and it’s essential that our food and beverage program is tailored to the environment. Jesse is the perfect candidate to take our beverage program to new heights with his industry-leading skillset and undeniable passion for hospitality. Under his expertise, we’ll continue to raise the bar with a cutting-edge beverage program that connects guests to the stunning locations around them.”
With a worldly palate and extensive wine education, Rodriguez has been certified by organizations, including the American Chapter of the Court of Master Sommeliers as an Advanced Sommelier; the Society of Wine Educators as a certified wine educator (CWE); the Wine Scholar Guild as a Spanish and French Wine Scholar; and the Wine and Spirits Educational Trust (DipWSET). He has spent much of his career managing luxury resort and restaurant beverage programs across California, Nevada, Arizona, and South Carolina. His achievements have been recognized by food and beverage authorities such as Food & Wine and the James Beard Foundation. During his tenure at Studio at Montage Laguna Beach and Addison at The Grand Del Mar, he was awarded the Grand Award by Wine Spectator for the first time in both restaurants’ histories. He also served as head sommelier at The French Laundry, Thomas Keller’s esteemed restaurant in Napa Valley, when the restaurant received its first three-star rating from the Michelin Guide.
“I’ve always admired Collective Retreats’ innovative culinary program, and I’m proud to be working with this visionary team,” says Rodriguez. “The brand is dedicated to celebrating the setting of its retreats through every facet of the guest experience. With this ethos in mind, I’m excited to create an imaginative beverage program that taps into the distinctive sense-of-place of our properties.”
Rodriguez will support and innovate beverage operations across Collective Retreats’ three locations: Vail, Colorado; Hill Country, Texas, and Governors Island, NY.
News and information presented in this release has not been corroborated by WTWH Media LLC.
