Benjamin has achieved the esteemed title of Sommelier of the Year, as acknowledged by the prestigious Michelin Guide. Yannick, a sommelier based in New York City, stands as the co-founder of Contento Restaurant in East Harlem and Beaupierre Wines & Spirits in Hell’s Kitchen. Beaupierre, a family business, is led by Hell’s Kitchen natives of French descent. Distinguished from other NYC-based wine shops, Beaupierre not only upholds family-oriented values but also serves as a community hub where inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability take precedence.
In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Yannick is a co-founder of Wine on Wheels, an organization uniting wine enthusiasts and sommeliers to channel their passion for fine wines into charitable endeavors. Despite a life-changing car accident in 2003 that left him paralyzed, Benjamin pursued his dreams, overcoming challenges to attend college and ultimately become a sommelier. His early professional experiences include working at renowned establishments such as Le Cirque, Jean-Georges, Felidia, and Atelier at the Ritz Carlton.
Benjamin, along with his partners, established Contento with the ethos and tagline “accessible for all.” The establishment stands as a shining example of quality hospitality designed with a broad, inclusive approach. Yannick has garnered recognition, being featured among Wine Enthusiast’s Top 40 under 40 and named Person of the Year by New Mobility Magazine in 2017.
Yannick’s contributions extend to media, having served as the resident sommelier on the popular radio show “On The Town with Michael Riedel” on AM 970 The Answer. He has made multiple appearances on major television networks, including ABC, NBC, and CBS. In 2015, Yannick took the spotlight in “Uncorked,” a documentary series featuring sommeliers on Esquire TV.
Noteworthy accolades include Jancis Robinson of the Financial Times referring to Benjamin as “the new star of New York’s gastronomic firmament,” and The Wine Spectator highlighting Benjamin’s ability to showcase a “kinder, gentler side of the profession.” Yannick’s journey and the success of Wheeling Forward, an organization he supports, have been featured in prestigious publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Village Voice, Wine Spectator, Financial Times, and Forbes. In a crowning achievement, Yannick received recognition as the Sommelier/Wine Director of The Year at the 2021 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards.
