Meet Rob Harpest, ECP’s wine history and studies instructor.
Rob Harpest began his career in restaurants in 1999 while pursuing an English Education degree at Florida State University. It was shortly thereafter that his interest in wine and food developed. After a brief stint in Las Vegas, Rob moved to California to be closer to the wine industry and start down the path toward becoming a sommelier.
While working with Morton’s Steakhouse, Rob earned the position of Wine Captain. He left the company briefly to open Sterling Steakhouse as the General Manager, but returned to Morton’s as the Assistant Manager and Beverage Director in downtown Los Angeles.
In 2007, the opportunity to take over Jar’s wine program presented itself. Rob interviewed with Suzanne Tracht and they immediately realized they wanted to work together. Suzanne’s “comfort food” style and Rob’s non-pretentious attitude about wine were a perfect match. They began hosting cooking classes together and coordinating tasting menus. In 2008, Rob redesigned and increased Jar’s wine list, earning Jar its first Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator.
Currently, Rob is studying for his Advanced Sommelier exam with Keith Goldston, MS and his colleagues in Los Angeles. He has also been a featured guest on Emeril Live on the Food Network.