MASTER OF CEREMONIES & HOST AMBASSADORS
JIM BUBE, MS
RHÔNE IN WHITE MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Jim Bube is a board member and the treasurer of the Second City Sommeliers tasting group in Chicago. He is the National Wine Director for the Hogsalt restaurant group and formerly the Director of Education for Illinois distributor Heritage Wine Cellars.
His journey to the Court of Master Sommeliers began with the intention to reinvest in his career as a wholesale sales rep. What began as an intention to add a certification and sell a bit more wine reignited his waning love of wine, service and community. This ultimately led to the pursuit of the Court's higher-level credentials.
Along the way, Jim was the 2016 National TopSomm second place finisher and 2017 Guildsomm Online Competition winner. He ultimately passed the Master Sommelier diploma later that year.
Jim focuses heavily on mentorship in the Chicago wine community when not cooking or trying to make the perfect canelé .
Rachael Lowe
PROFILE AMBASSADOR RICH & COMPLEX
Rachael Lowe is a distinguished beverage professional with extensive experience in wine and beverage operations. As the National Director of Beverage at Levy Restaurants, she oversees beverage programs across approximately 280 locations nationwide, demonstrating her leadership and expertise in the industry.
Lowe's dedication to excellence has been recognized through numerous accolades, including being named Food & Wine's Sommelier of the Year in 2016. She holds an Advanced Sommelier degree from the Court of Master Sommeliers, where she earned the Rudd Scholarship for achieving top scores.
Derrick C. Westbrook
PROFILE AMBASSADOR FRUITY & ROUND
Derrick C. Westbrook is a nationally recognized sommelier and wine educator known for his innovative approach to wine culture, seamlessly blending spirits, music, and community engagement. Before turning 30, Westbrook advanced rapidly in the industry, serving as the Cellar Manager at Alinea Group’s NEXT restaurant and as the Beverage Director at the Michelin-starred Elizabeth restaurant in Chicago. His contributions led to his recognition as a Wine Enthusiast magazine "40 Under 40" Tastemaker, making him the first African-American in the wine industry to appear on the publication’s cover.
As the Owner of Juice @ 1340, a Chicago-based wine shop and bar, Westbrook curates a diverse selection of wines, fostering an inclusive and educational environment for both enthusiasts and novices. His signature event series, Samples & Samples, uniquely pairs wines with various music genres, offering attendees a multi-sensory experience that bridges the gap between wine and culture.
Kat Hawkins
PROFILE AMBASSADOR FRESH & LIVELY
Kat Hawkins is the Wine Director at Miru, Tre Dita, and the St. Regis Bar, all located in the brand new St. Regis Chicago. Prior to her current position, Hawkins was the Wine Director at RPM Steak, a leading Chicago steakhouse acclaimed for its extensive selection of over 1300 highly sought-after and rare wines.
After moving to Chicago in 2018, Kat began her career with Lettuce Entertain You at Shaw’s Crab House, a River North institution since 1984, credited with the first Oyster Bar in Chicago. As Beverage Director, she was responsible for selecting wine and spirits for Shaw’s extensive list featuring American producers and classic international regions.
Hawkins is a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers and a Certified Specialist of Wine and Spirits through the Society of Wine Educators. In 2019, she was named one of America’s “Best New Sommeliers” by Wine & Spirits Magazine.