Jason Smith, M.S.
Jason Smith developed his affinity for wine while studying to be a chef at the Culinary Institute of America, where a required course in wine education sparked an enduring, fiery passion. After graduating with honors, Jason passed the Master Sommelier examination in 2005 to become
one of only 172 people in North America to hold this illustrious title.
From there, Jason began his career in wine with positions at two Mobil Five Star and AAA Five Diamond Award-winning venues, The Little Nell in Aspen and then Charlie Trotter’s in Chicago. While at Charlie Trotter’s, he authored wine notes for the chef’s cookbooks, Raw and Workin’
More Kitchen Sessions with Charlie Trotter. Next, Jason brought his skills to the Bellagio Resort & Casino, where he worked as a Sommelier at Michael Mina Bellagio before becoming Director of Wine two years later. There, he oversaw wine operations across the resort and led wine
education for all Bellagio employees. In 2016, Jason became Executive Director of Wine for MGM Resorts International, where he oversaw the wine program for 20 resorts nationwide and was awarded “Wine Director of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast.
With two decades of experience in the wine world and an impressive tenure in the luxury hospitality industry, Jason is uniquely positioned to serve as the General Manager of the Ultra Luxury & Icon Wine portfolio at Constellation Brands. Using his consumer-facing background, Jason oversees
the business, sales, and marketing strategies for world-class wineries including Schrader Cellars, Double Diamond, and To Kalon Vineyard Company through wine education and service.
one of only 172 people in North America to hold this illustrious title.
From there, Jason began his career in wine with positions at two Mobil Five Star and AAA Five Diamond Award-winning venues, The Little Nell in Aspen and then Charlie Trotter’s in Chicago. While at Charlie Trotter’s, he authored wine notes for the chef’s cookbooks, Raw and Workin’
More Kitchen Sessions with Charlie Trotter. Next, Jason brought his skills to the Bellagio Resort & Casino, where he worked as a Sommelier at Michael Mina Bellagio before becoming Director of Wine two years later. There, he oversaw wine operations across the resort and led wine
education for all Bellagio employees. In 2016, Jason became Executive Director of Wine for MGM Resorts International, where he oversaw the wine program for 20 resorts nationwide and was awarded “Wine Director of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast.
With two decades of experience in the wine world and an impressive tenure in the luxury hospitality industry, Jason is uniquely positioned to serve as the General Manager of the Ultra Luxury & Icon Wine portfolio at Constellation Brands. Using his consumer-facing background, Jason oversees
the business, sales, and marketing strategies for world-class wineries including Schrader Cellars, Double Diamond, and To Kalon Vineyard Company through wine education and service.