About Me

Kirk Peterson is an experienced wine and spirits professional who enjoys a life and career dedicated to food, wine, and hospitality. After graduating from film school at UNLV he worked in the entertainment industry then returned to make his favorite hobby and true passion - wine and spirits - a career.

Peterson’s insightful palate and decade-long tenure at the helm of Joe Bastianich’s Las Vegas wine programs made him one of the most powerful Italian wine buyers in the United States.  

Peterson is a wine educator, award-winning writer, and fellowship recipient of the 2018 Symposium for Professional Wine Writers.  He is also an Italian Wine Ambassador certified by the Vinitaly International Academy, a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, an Italian Wine Professional certified by Italian Wine Central, and educator and panelist for the Collisioni Wine Project.  Delivered with a unique blend of style, he combines expertise and enthusiasm to impart his passion for food and wine to a range of audiences, peers and students alike. 

Peterson is often seen and heard on Las Vegas’ ABC-affiliate daytime television talk show, FOX5 Las Vegas, KNPR Nevada Public Radio in addition to being a regular contributor to The Tasting Panel, Vegas Seven, David Magazine, andThe Shift Drink. 

Italian Wine Ambassador, Vinitaly International Academy

Certified Sommelier, Court of Master Sommeliers

Advanced Level 3, Wine & Spirit Education Trust

Educator, 3iC (The Italian International Indigenous Wine And Food Studies Center)

Italian Wine Professional, Italian Wine Central

Advanced Wine Certification, International Sommelier Guild