STEVEN W. ALEXANDER
As Wine Director and Sommelier of Spiaggia with over a decade of experience, Steven W. Alexander sources remarkable and authentic Italian wines from celebrated as well as cutting- edge producers to enhance Spiaggia's elegant cuisine. Alexander calls his philosophy on wine "classic," believing firmly that wine should communicate the history of each viticultural region.
Under Alexander, the prolific Spiaggia wine program emphasizes wines of Barolo, Barbaresco and the Collio, as well as emerging wine regions such as Mount Etna, Montefalco, and the Valtellina - many of which have been introduced for the first time outside of Italy. Alexander is also a pioneer in the Italian craft beer movement, expanding Spiaggia's beverage program to include artisan beer from over half of Italy's regions. With a strong emphasis on healthy, organic beverages, Alexander is a champion of sustainable agriculture and natural winemaking.
Prior to Spiaggia, the Illinois-born Alexander gained extensive experience as an Italian wine buyer and educator at the famed Sam's Wines and Spirits in Chicago; became a member of the wine team at Chicago's avant-garde restaurant Moto; joined Chef Thad Morrow to open the nationally acclaimed Bacaro wine bar and restaurant in Champaign, Illinois; served as a European Wine Portfolio Manager in Miami; and worked at Chez Panisse restaurant in Berkley, Ca. Alexander has accreditations from the Court of Master Sommeliers as a Certified Sommelier and the prestigious Wine and Spirits Education Trust as a Diploma Level student.
Alexander has contributed to Wine & Spirits Magazine, Wine Spectator, Chicago Magazine, CS, Chicago Tribune and Today's Chicago Woman and is quoted in various online publications.
