Chris Plaia | Source | Sommelier, Wine Director at Marisi

Christopher Plaia has worked in the hospitality industry since his early teens, bussing tables and washing dishes at a local mom and pop Italian restaurant in Rockville, Maryland. While attending San Diego State University, Chris bartended and served at various spots around the city, developing his palate and strengthening his industry chops. After college, he began traveling and exploring the world and quickly fell in love with the laid-back approach of European living. One particular visit to his family in Sicily cemented this crush, as he was given an intimate experience of a culture that placed true importance on the marriage of family, food, and of course, wine.

Armed with newfound vision, Chris returned home, deciding he would pursue a career in wine. Upon receiving his Introductory and Certified Sommelier credentials through the Court of Master Sommeliers, he moved to San Francisco with the aim of immersing himself in a major gastronomical and viticultural hub. The move proved to be a seminal and fruitful experience. After a brief stint at the institutional Zuni Cafe, Chris was brought on as the wine buyer and sommelier at Central Kitchen (Flour + Water Hospitality Group) and soon found himself working at highly acclaimed Flour + Water, where he was quickly promoted to Assistant Wine Director.

In La Jolla, California, Chris is the Wine Director for award-winning Marisi where he introduces guests to the less familiar side of the world of wine, while keenly honoring its classic roots. The program at Marisi is rich in unique Italian varieties, micro producers, and progressive styles of wine, yet offers plenty of familiar gems for those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground. Selections are divided between two of the world's premier wine making regions - Italy and California - and the Marisi cellar runs deep.