If you’ve enjoyed a glass (or bottle) of wine at Common House Chattanooga, you can thank Joseph Dirmeyer and Josiah Newport. As our co-Sommeliers, they have the job of meeting with various distributors, tasting wines from different regions and vineyards, and putting together an enticing array of wines.

“Josiah and I have worked really hard to put together an approachable yet unique list … that you're not going to find at any of the other restaurants around town,” says Joseph, “because we want our members to have a unique experience and enjoy our collection.”

Joseph and Josiah agree that “wine is meant to be shared.” Living in France during high school, Josiah saw firsthand how wine contributed to the culture, sparked conversations, and brought people together. Similarly, the events he plans with Joseph are a way to bring members together and share a unique experience. In 2022, they’re excited to host more drop-in tastings, wine dinners, and revamp the Common House wine club.

“We have an awesome opportunity here at Common House,” Joseph says. “Because people love to bring their friends here. They love to sit down and share a night with the other members and their friends. It's a social club after all, right? So, wine is a really great opportunity to be social, to have a shared experience, and you know, a discussion.”

Walking down the wine aisle in the liquor or grocery store can be overwhelming, and deciphering the wine list at a restaurant can feel intimidating. However, Josiah and Joseph seek to make wine more approachable and enjoyable for newcomers and seasoned drinkers alike. “I’m never going to say someone has a bad palate,” says Josiah, “or that they shouldn’t drink what they like to drink.”

The two somms aren’t afraid to bend a few rules and break open a couple of different bottles to help people discover what they like. Members often ask the duo for help pairing the right red or white with their food. Joseph’s philosophy is surprising, yet profound. “You just want a wine that pairs with the conversation,” he says. “You're going to enjoy the wine anyways, right? Don't worry about the food; the food tastes great. Chef does a great job, and the wine is going to be awesome. So just pick something that you think sounds fun. Wine doesn't have to be serious. It doesn't have to be pretentious. Do what makes you happy.”

So if you’re up for trying something new and finding what makes you happy, come by Common House and let Josiah and Joseph open a bottle for you. And keep an eye out for upcoming wine events in the coming months.

STAFF FOCUS: Joseph Dirmeyer and Josiah Newport