In the Drink

Episode 197 Aired: Wednesday, April 12th 2017

Wine on Wheels with Sommelier Yannick Benjamin

Host Joe Campanale sits down with sommelier Yannick Benjamin, head sommelier at the University Club, lead lecturer for Saturday seminars at Le Du’s Wines in the West Village and star of Esquire's “Uncorked”, a documentary series about sommeliers. In 2003, a car accident left Benjamin paralyzed below the waist. He quickly adapted, outfitting his wheelchair with a table that allows him to continue to perform the tasks required of his profession. Beyond the world of wine, Benjamin works tirelessly on behalf of his nonprofit organization, Wheeling Forward, which he started with Alex Elegudin in 2012. Their mission is to provide guidance and resources to disabled individuals, focusing on education, employment, wellness, community integration, housing acquisition, and personal fulfillment. A para-athlete, Benjamin competes in marathons to raise money for his advocacy group.

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