Montrachet Sommelier Moves to Veritas

James Molesworth
Posted: November 12, 1999

After nearly nine years as sommelier at New York's Montrachet, winner of Wine Spectator's Grand Award for its wine list, Tim Kopec has decided to make a change. He will be the new director of wine sales at Veritas, which debuted with a splash on New York's restaurant scene last fall with a 1,300-selection wine list.

"Both restaurants offer great wine lists and are great wine destinations, but there is an incredible depth and breadth here in both great vintages and large-format bottles," said Kopec. "Prices are also kept very reasonable here -- basically market value. This is a great opportunity."

Veritas currently holds Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence for its wine list and achieving the Grand Award is a "top priority," according to Kopec, who moves from a list primarily devoted to Burgundy to one that also features strong Bordeaux, California, Rhtne, Spanish and Italian selections.

In addition to being the head of wine sales, Kopec will also act as head sommelier for Veritas' wine staff. "We are thrilled," said Veritas owner Park Smith. "Tim is a down-to-earth guy who understands what a true sommelier should be."

Daniel Johnnes, the wine director of Montrachet and the Myriad Restaurant Group, will take over Kopec's day-to-day responsibilities of sommelier. He will be helped by assistant sommelier Jeff Poli.

For previous articles on Veritas: