Fernando is one of only 269 Master Sommeliers in the world. He was named one of America’s Best New Sommeliers by Wine & Spirits magazine and featured on both Crain’s Chicago Business’s and Wine Enthusiast’s lists of “40 under 40”. He has overseen wine programs at various award-winning restaurants including the Dining Room at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago (a Four Seasons Hotel) and NoMI at the Park Hyatt Chicago, which boasts a wine cellar of over 10,000 bottles. Fernando has represented the United States in International Sommelier competitions and was First Runner Up for the Best Sommelier in America.