The South City Hot Spot Gears up for Grand Opening
If anyone is qualified to open and own the San Francisco Wine School, it’s David Glancy. A Master Sommelier and Certified Wine Educator, David shares his title with only eleven others in the world. He is a true credential junkie also holding the Certified Specialist of Spirits, French Wine Scholar and Italian Wine Professional certifications to boot.
The City recently had the opportunity to sit down with David, who is also the school’s Founder, and Kristin Campbell, Chief Operating Officer, to learn more about their mission and vision. Five minutes into our conversation, one thing was abundantly clear: although David and Kristin each have a novel’s worth of qualifications, their approach to wine education is extremely down to earth.
“Not everyone who wants additional wine education wants to be a sommelier,” David says. “I wanted to create a program for any career path and find a way to welcome consumers. It took five years to pull that off.”
A Chance Meeting
Kristin joined David in his mission around three years ago. An advisor who believed in David’s concept connected the pair, knowing Kristin’s background in finance, wine and startups would be a great fit. At the time, the school was largely promoted via word-of-mouth, and David was ready to take it to the next level.
“It was sort of a cosmic thing at play,” Kristin says. “That was actually the second time I’d met David. The first time was 16 years before, when David had opened Left Bank in Menlo Park. I was at lunch and didn’t know which wine to order. This guy came over to help me choose, and I loved it so much I bought several bottles. Well, that turned out to be David!”
"Suckers for a Great View"
Thanks to David and Kristin’s hard work, the school has come a long way in five 
years. Most notably, it’s gained a gorgeous new home on Grand Avenue (which officially opens November 6.)
“I would say the city has absolutely been warm and welcoming,” reflects David. “They even connected us with the owner of this space.”
“We walked in and said, oh my gosh, this is it,” Kristin concludes. “We’re suckers for a great view!”
The Perks of South San Francisco
David and Kristin love how convenient the location is for students that fly into SFO for classes. Grand Avenue is easy to get to by BART, Caltrain, the San Francisco Bay Ferry and parking is plentiful and easy.
“Plus, the city is booming right now,” Kristin says. “It’s so vibrant and a great place to be. Just look at this space.” She’s right, of course. The large room where we met features large, gorgeous windows with a picturesque downtown view. It connotes a clean, classy feel very fitting of a wine school. But even if the aesthetics hadn’t been enough to prove this place is something special, a conversation with the minds behind the school prove there’s no place quite like it.
Grand Opening: November 6th – 12th
Want to get involved with the San Francisco Wine School? Guests age 21+ are invited to join in on Grand Opening programming November 6th – 12th. Just be sure to RSVP on the website for guaranteed admittance. You won’t want to miss the inaugural “sabering,” interactive viewing of the popular documentary Somm, opportunity to interact with instructors and more!
Friday, November 6th 12:30pm Ribbon Cutting & Inaugural Sabering
Friday, November 6th 6pm-9pm Interactive screening of SOMM with special guests
Saturday, November 7th 1pm-5pm Open House & Grand Tasting
Sunday, November 8th 1pm-5pm Workshop*: Beer & Sake
Monday, November 9th 6pm-9pm Workshop*: Wines of Germany & Eastern Europe
Monday, November 9th 6pm-9pm Workshop*: Red Wines of Southern Italy
Tuesday, November 10th 6pm-9pm Workshop*: Bordeaux
Tuesday, November 10th 6pm-9pm Workshop*: Lake County & the Sierra
Wednesday, November 11th 2pm-4pm Industry Talk: How to Build a Successful Wine Program
Thursday, November 12th 2pm-4pm Industry Talk: Clarifying Credential Blur
*All workshops held during opening week are half price.
