Kelsey Glasser got bit by the acting bug as a child. The Willamette Valley native headed to NYU for college, then to Hollywood to pursue a career in film and TV. To make ends meet, she started working in restaurants and found herself at José Andrés’ Bazaar. As she learned about winemakers and their stories, she found herself falling in love with the world of wine. In time, she became a sommelier and headed to Portland, Oregon, to open a wine shop with her then-partner. That led to the 2018 opening of Arden, a full-service restaurant that tested her mettle as a small business owner and restaurateur. Today, Arden is known for its seasonal menu, smart wine list, and welcoming vibes. 

Today, Kelsey is a leader in Portland’s vibrant dining scene, host of the Her Way podcast, and creator of the Seven Day Sommelier virtual classes. She’s also busy developing a wine and travel TV show. She joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about the twists and turns of her career, the lessons she’s learned in hospitality, and why wine is her favorite story to tell.

Thank you to The Visa Dining Collection by OpenTable x Visa for their support. 

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