Women in Beverage: Natalie Tapken

Natalie Tapken is the lead sommelier and beverage director at Bluepoint Hospitality Group in Easton, MD. Women in Beverage is part of our 2024 Beverage Industry Inclusion supplement. 

How did you get into the beverage alcohol business?

My first restaurant job was in middle school working at my aunt’s pizza parlor. I then worked at a steakhouse in high school where I always loved winning the wine contest for highest weekend sales. The winning server received a free meal of their choosing, which was quite a treat for a high school student on a budget.

My next job was at Café Atlantico in Washington D.C., where I fully immersed myself into the world of wines. The chef and philanthropist José Andres took me under his wing and shared amazing and unique knowledge of food, wine and hospitality. The wine classes and tastings at the restaurants were so eye-opening and I relished the opportunity to dive headfirst into the world of wine and fine dining.

While attaining a graduate degree in philosophy, I was drawn into the New York culinary scene. Needing to earn extra money as all students do, I found myself working at top restaurants in the city, as well as Wine and Spirits magazine. In 2006, I accepted the job as wine director for Lure Fishbar in SoHo and the rest is history.

Did you have a mentor in the industry? Have you been a mentor to others? 

I have many mentors in the industry, but the one who stands out is [wine expert/importer] Becky Wasserman. Much has been written about Becky Wasserman since her untimely passing in 2021. Her accomplishments were many, and she touched countless people in our industry.

Becky was one of the first female importers to own her own company, but she didn’t stop there; she hired predominantly female employees. Becky showed the industry that women could run and execute a business as well if not better than men. She always acted with integrity and tried to build young people up in the industry. She encouraged me to move into the world of import and distribution and I could not have my career today without her guidance.

I try to honor Becky’s legacy by being a mentor to other young women in the wine industry. Becky also started her wine business as a mother of two young boys. She showed me that you can build a professional career while also raising a family. Now a mother of three myself, I mentor other young mothers in the industry on how to balance a home life without sacrificing one’s career.

Have you faced challenges as a woman in a leadership position in what’s still a male-dominated industry?

I am very lucky to have always worked in companies that have encouraged women in leadership positions. I recognize that I am in a unique situation as many of my peers still describe antiquated male dominated work environments. In my current role with Bluepoint Hospitality, I am thoroughly supported as a woman and mother of three.

How has your company benefited from having women at the table making decisions?

Bluepoint Hospitality has benefited greatly from having women at the table making decisions. Paul Prager, the founder of Bluepoint Hospitality, has hired many women to leadership positions and relies heavily on their counsel. This is one of the many reasons I love to call Bluepoint Hospitality home.

Do you think the beverage alcohol industry has improved as far as women and gender DEI in the past five years?

The beverage and alcohol industry has made vast strides in the area of gender equality and inclusivity. I remember when I was pregnant with my first child 12 years ago. It was almost unheard of for a pregnant woman to work on the floor as a sommelier. I ignored the norm and worked the floor until within just a few days of my daughter’s birth.

I don’t think of myself as a groundbreaker but I do hope that my example made it easier for other pregnant women to work in the hospitality industry without shame or censure. I have had many sommeliers reach out when pregnant to seek advice on hospitality and motherhood.

What advice do you have for people (women in particular) looking to get into the beverage alcohol industry?

The best advice I can give to young people, and young women in particular, who are looking to get into the beverage alcohol industry is to be true to yourself and never let a boss or coworker make you feel like you must compromise who you are. I would also advise trying as many different jobs as possible in the industry to learn as much as possible about the business side.

Working on both the wholesale and hospitality sides has been invaluable when making decisions and learning how to conduct business. The service industry is its own ecosystem with a plethora of opportunities for someone to find their true calling; so don’t be afraid to taste the different flavors, it’s the best way to develop a sophisticated palette!

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