Joel Caruso is the Los Angeles Market Manager for Chopin Imports. He holds a WSET Level 3 (Advanced) certification in both wine and spirits and has also earned the Certified Sommelier qualification from the Court of Master Sommeliers.

Drawn to education, Caruso’s journey of professional wine and spirits has effectively intertwined his understanding of wine and spirits education, service, and relationship building into a unique and relatable form of hospitality, teaching and sales.

He has an extensive background in restaurants and over 20 years of food and beverage experience prestigiously working in Fox Restaurant Concepts' Olive & Ivy in Scottsdale, AZ conducting tastings, training, and cellar management in its Wine Spectator award-winning program; Pizzeria Ortica in Costa Mesa creating one of Orange County’s most recognized and rewarded beverage programs during his tenure, receiving several Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence for the wine program as well as OC Weekly’s Bartender of The Year (2015) and Orange County’s Best Cocktail Program (2016).

After his 15 years in restaurants, Caruso pivoted to focus on a broader consumer base through education, marketing and sales. In 2017, he was named U.S. Ambassador for the Vivino Wine App and its community of over 35 million users. Across the country, he contributed wine consultation, staff education, and event representation. With this national exposure, Caruso’s expertise was featured in high-profile publications like Forbes and Cosmopolitan Online.

Caruso currently serves as the Los Angeles Market Manager with Chopin Imports overseeing sales and business development in the greater Los Angeles area. He also provides education across the country to consumers and industry professionals for the products in the Chopin portfolio, which include Chopin Family Reserve, Gordon & MacPhail, Benromach Speyside Scotch, and Koch el Mezcal.

When he is not enjoying wine and spirits, he is currently working towards a black belt in Kung Fu.