Ren Neuman
Happy Cooking Hospitality Group | New York
February 2023
Montanan Ren Neuman grew up with a love of the outdoors, frequently visiting her grandparents' ranch. When she was 16, she was presented with the opportunity to study abroad in Burgundy, France. Her host father, Michael Stephens of Vins Divins, owned a wine consulting company, so Neuman tagged along on tastings—meeting producers and exploring wine cellars—and fell in love with the agricultural aspect of the wine world. In her senior year at the University of Montana, Neuman began studying with the court and moved to New York City after graduating. In 2017, she started work as a junior sommelier at Babbo, quickly growing in her role and becoming sommelier within five months. She delved into the restaurant's extensive wine list and learned the ins and outs of management and purchasing from wine directors Scott Woltz and Michael Acheson. In 2019, she moved to The NoMad as sommelier, where she was mentored and supported by the women on her team and Rising Stars alum Thomas Pastuszak.
In 2021, Neuman joined the Happy Cooking Hospitality Group as beverage director, running the programs at Jolene, Joseph Leonard, Jeffrey’s Grocery, and Fairfax. Neuman has organic products in mind when building out the group’s wine lists, while also ensuring she dedicates ample time to educating and empowering her team. Each month, she holds Wine 101 classes to teach her coworkers the basics—how the wine is made, and its foundational qualities—providing her team with an extensive fact sheet. Neuman has made her mark on Happy Cooking’s wine programs, and is now looking to the future of the wine industry, showcasing progressive producers who are championing sustainability.
