Alpana Singh

One of just 274 master sommeliers worldwide, and one of just 24 women to be given the distinction, Alpana Singh became the youngest woman ever to pass the final level of the Master Sommelier exam at age 26. Born and raised in Monterey, California, her early work experience came from working in her family's ethnic grocery store, instilling in her a strong work ethic and ease with people of all backgrounds. Her passion for wine was ignited while waiting tables in college, combining her interests in travel, history, and food.

Singh shares her journey from being the daughter of Fijian-Indian immigrants to becoming a successful entrepreneur and television personality in a male-dominated field. She educates audiences on wine, teaching them how to taste "blind," make professional purchases, and pair wines seamlessly with meals.

Starting her career at 19 as a wine sales clerk at Nielsen Bros. Market in Carmel, California, Singh quickly ascended to a sommelier position at Everest Restaurant in Chicago by age 23. She earned her Master Sommelier title three years later. This achievement, combined with her dynamic presence, led to her role as host for ten seasons of the three-time Emmy Award-winning restaurant review show, "Check, Please!" on Chicago’s PBS station. She returned to the show in 2018 after a brief hiatus.

In 2006, Singh authored "Alpana Pours: About Being a Woman, Loving Wine, and Having Great Relationships," a lifestyle book that intertwines wine insights with societal observations on relationships. The book offers a humorous and relatable look at interactions between men and women, along with entertaining hosting and entertaining tips.

Singh's entrepreneurial spirit led her to open The Boarding House in Chicago’s River North neighborhood in December 2012. She expanded her restaurant portfolio with Seven Lions on Chicago's Michigan Avenue in February 2015 and Terra & Vine in Evanston, Illinois, in 2016. Most recently, she launched Alpana in Chicago’s historical Gold Coast in 2022, reinforcing her significant impact on the local culinary scene.

A key figure in the Illinois Restaurant Association and on the Executive Committee of Choose Chicago as Treasurer, Singh was pivotal in bringing the James Beard Foundation Awards to Chicago in 2015. She remains a dedicated supporter of Deborah's Place, which assists and empowers women facing homelessness.