Sam Stoppelmoor (left)
Sam Stoppelmoor, sommelier and assistant manager at Union Common at 1929 Broadway has been named a “40 Under 40 Tastemaker” for 2016 by Wine Enthusiast magazine. Already recognized as one of the city’s young talents in the beverage biz, Stoppelmoor is the only Nashvillian named to the list.
The magazine notes Stoppelmoor’s affection for sparkling wines and points out that he has assembled “the largest collection of bubbly in the Music City.” Louisville Master Sommelier Brett Davis is one of the co-owners of Union Common, so it’s no surprise that the restaurant places great emphasis on their wine and beverage program, which Wine Enthusiast describes as an “experimental approach [that] includes tinkering with homebrewing, tonic, bitters and infusions.”
Not only has Stoppelmoor achieved this “40 Under 40” recognition, but he’s actually still under 30. An active member of the Nashville Wine Guild, he passed his certified sommelier exam in 2014 and is now working toward becoming one of Nashville’s first master sommeliers.
Union Common is throwing a special party to celebrate Stoppelmoor’s honor, featuring appetizers and selections of some of the wunderkind’s favorite wines from the restaurant cellar. The tasting event is planned for 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, at the restaurant. Drinks include Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve Champagne; Weingut Immich-Batterieberg riesling, Iuli Barabba Barbera del Monferrato; and L'Arco Valpolicella Ripasso classico. All the wines will be poured from large-format bottles to add to the celebratory nature of the evening. Cost is $15 per person, and guests will receive a $15 gift certificate that can be used for a future meal at the restaurant. For more information or to make reservations, visit unioncommmon.com.
