Our team
Ryan Bailey
Enraptured with culture of wine that surrounded him, Ryan Bailey began his career while in high school in Sonoma County. He continued with hospitality working as a sommelier in Michelin starred restaurants, while obtaining a degree in physical therapy. Before long, he gave over all his time to the pursuits of wine and continued his formal education at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena. Following his time at CIA, Ryan pursued and earned certifications in wine, beer, and sake. In 2013, Ryan joined the team at the acclaimed NoMad in New York City, and quickly rose to Head Sommelier.
Ryan is now the wine director of NoMad Los Angeles, building a list of over thirty five hundred selections and maintaining a cellar of twenty thousand bottles. In addition to leading a team of sommeliers, Ryan writes educational focused pieces for a number of industry publications, including the notable Star Wine List and Plate Magazine. Most recently, he was named Wine & Spirits Magazine's Best New Sommelier and represented the US in the 2019 Copa Jerez International Sherry Competition in Spain.
Additionally, Ryan helps curate and execute wine programs for others under the consulting of Apero Collective. With his years of experience and understanding of wine service, Ryan launched Portae out of pure necessity and passion.
