Ray Sholes aka “The Royal Vines” is a top Miami sommelier. You can find him on the floor at Michael’s Genuine in Miami’s Design District.
How does one become the head sommelier at one of the hottest restaurants in the hottest city in the U.S. right now? It’s not always a straight path, as Ray Sholes, Head Sommelier at Michael’s Genuine in Miami knows.
Though he began his career in hospitality, it took several years, focused education, a global pandemic, and feeling uncomfortable to land where he is now. In fact, when it comes to personal and professional growth, Ray credits that uncomfortable feeling with being a driver of his achievements.
“You have to do the things that make you most uncomfortable to get to higher levels of success. It’s here where you learn to push your limits and break through to accomplishing your next goal.”
During the pandemic, Ray gained a different perspective on what was possible for himself. While he watched other people creating side hustles and new career paths, Ray also built his own brand and business through The Royal Vines and The Black Owned Wine Review on YouTube.
“It’s OK to not know everything. You will never be 100% ready, but do it anyway.”
Becoming a Miami Sommelier
Those who have been around the 305 for a while might recognize Ray’s face from other beloved establishments, like Uvaggio in Coral Gables or No Name Chinese in South Miami. He built his career in food and beverage through various roles while he studied wine, becoming a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers over five years ago.
It can be tough to get started in a business like wine. Jobs ask for experience in fine dining, and it’s hard to gain that specific experience right off the bat. But this is where mentors come into play, and finding someone to grow and learn from can make the biggest difference in how your career evolves.
Now that he is in a leadership role in a prominent hospitality organization, Ray says he has a responsibility to people coming up behind him.
“It’s important to create a space for people who are also on their learning journey, especially in wine. Ask them what they want, then see what you can do to give them a helping hand. Have a service mindset about every aspect of your role.”
Hard work and perseverance in the face of adversity really does pay off. In March of 2022, Ray was named one of VinePair’s 50 top drinks professionals from around the country. He joins a list of other leaders and innovators in the industry (like Miami’s Shitty Wine Memes) who are testaments to the success of working hard to create a name for yourself in an ever growing and challenging industry.
Why is the Miami Wine Industry So Hot?
When asked why he’s excited about being in wine in Miami, Ray says:
“There is so much space for education and exploration in Miami. We have so much room to go in several directions. Since the pandemic, it’s like a reset button has been pushed. The next generation of our wine leaders are in the fold and working hard to provide amazing experiences.
The best part is the wine future in Miami is female. From Amanda Fraga, Beverage Director for The Genuine Hospitality Group, to Laura DePasquale, SVP of Sales & Commercial Operations for Domaine & Estates, an Artisanal Wine Division of Southern Glaziers Distribution, Miami has some major female leaders in wine.”
As for the Miami wine community, we are proud to claim Ray as a member.
Follow Ray on Instagram, and learn more about his brand, The Royal Vines.
Ray’s Faves
Favorite Miami Wine Shop(s): Happy Wine, Wolfe’s Wine Shop, & El Carajo
Favorite Miami Wine Bar(s): Paradis Books and Bread – Bianca is the truth and a Natural Wine Goddess
Favorite Miami Wine Lists (besides your own): Mila, Cote, Macchialina, Zuma (Bonus Sake List), Amara at Paraiso
How would you describe your “wine style”? Triple Es-y: Entertaining Educational Experiences.
Wine is supposed to be fun…and you want to enjoy the experiences you have when wine is involved, but you always leave learning something new.
Read about other amazing wine professionals in Miami on our “People” page on Wine Guide Miami.
Jacqueline is a professional wine + travel writer, radio host, wine columnist, and consultant based in Miami, FL.
She is the monthly “Vino” columnist for Biscayne Times newspaper, a guest host covering the drinks segment on Linda Gassenheimer’s podcast show, “Food, News, and Views,” and Star Wine List’s Miami Ambassador.
Jacqueline is a Certified Sherry Wine Specialist & WSET 3.