MEET THE SOMM: Matthew Selva

Certified Sommelier Matthew Selva has cultivated a passion for wine throughout his 15 years in the food and beverage industry. Working with the talented teams at exclusive private clubs, including Royal Poinciana and Naples Yacht Club, in Naples, Fla., Matt loves creating unique, memorable experiences. For Matt, there is nothing better than bringing good people together over good food and good wine.

Now, Matt is bringing the management of a private club's wine program to private collectors, sharing behind-the-scenes insight and organization techniques to take the work out of wine. 

"I believe wine should be fun!" Matt said. "I'm excited to take the work out of managing your personal collection and share what I have learned managing high-end beverage programs."

​Within private clubs, Matt focuses on elevating the wine program, which goes well beyond expanding the wine list options. His goal is to open the world of wine to members through unique tasting and dining experiences. 
Matt loves when guests open up and share some of their personal favorites with him. As a certified sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, Matt is always ready to make a recommendation and broaden your selection based on what you already know you like. 

“It’s part of being ‘the somm’—I have to know everything,” Matt said. “And don’t worry, I drink everything!” 

For one of his favorite varietals, Matt is drawn to the northwestern corner of Italy.

“Nebbiolo is one of the greatest grapes on the planet,” according to Matt. “It’s so unique. It can really only flourish in one area of the world—Piedmont.” 
Nebbiolo is truly the King of the North making such beautiful and bold wines as Barolo and Barbaresco.
Here in the States, Matt’s favorite winery is Niner Wine Estates in Paso Robles, California. He loves this Central Coast winery because of how in tune it is with the earth; for example, installing solar energy systems. Not only are they environmentally sound, their wine is biodynamically sound. Niner’s hospitality and the quality of wines they produce are first class. 

Throughout his hospitality career, Matt is grateful to have been surrounded by talented and supportive teachers who opened the world of wine to him—some of the best in the industry, from all walks of life. Fresh out of college, working with a more mature staff, Matt did not yet understand the many varietals, how climate and soil conditions affect grape maturation, and requirements for specific vintages.

“It was like they were speaking a different language,” Matt said.
He was inspired to learn and undertook a lifelong journey to expand his knowledge. Matt prides himself on knowing “the gems,” when a certain dish calls for a certain wine, and when a celebration calls for a special bottle—all to create a memorable dining experience for you, your family, and guests. 

“Wine allows me to touch other people’s lives in ways I wouldn’t be able to otherwise,” Matt said. 

​Cheers!

​Certified Sommelier Matthew Selva enjoys a glass of rose at Campiello's on Naples' historic Third Street South.