“This industry is not a race, it’s a marathon.”
Anyone who encounters Tonya Pitts immediately feels her openness, her curiosity, her wisdom, and her quiet strength. While there are many ‘lifers’ in the restaurant industry, few have logged more than 30 years on the floor like she has, and few have inspired so many to follow in her footsteps. Her devotion to philanthropy, mentorship and leadership is helping to usher in a new generation in the wine industry.
Watch the video version here.
Tonya Pitts, Sommelier & Beverage Director, One Market Restaurant, San Francisco
As Sommelier & Wine Director for One Market Restaurant in San Francisco, Tonya’s wine program has received numerous Wine Spectator awards. Tonya is a philanthropist, mentor and leader for diversity and social equity; she established Women in Wine, serves as advisory board member for Wine Unify, Winebow’s Women in Leadership Wine Symposium, and is a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier International. Tonya is a core committee member of Batonnage Forum Mentorship Program, and a board member for United Sommelier Foundation. She was a recent nominee for Wine Director/ Sommelier of the Year in 2021 for Wine Enthusiast Magazine.