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Born and raised in Duxbury, Massachusetts, Nina West was influenced by family members in the restaurant industry from an early age. Between growing up in her family’s restaurants and cooking gourmet meals with her parents at home, Nina learned first-hand the techniques and dedication required to excel in this field. Following in her father’s footsteps, Nina enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. It was there that she found her love of wine through her passion for food.
During her time at the CIA, Nina was the recipient of the esteemed Kopf Student Achievement Award. As a Kopf Scholar, Nina spent six weeks visiting wine regions and meeting with notable winemakers throughout France, Italy and California. It was this scholarship trip that solidified her decision to step out of the kitchen and into the world of wine.
Upon graduating with a degree in Advanced Wine, Beverage and Hospitality, Nina began her career on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts at Seth and Angela Raynor’s two restaurants, The Boarding House and The Pearl, as a designated floor sommelier. Most recently, she has furthered her travels to include Spain and New Zealand, culminating in a harvest internship at Seresin Estate in Marlborough.
A Certified Sommelier in the Court, Nina is currently the Lead Sommelier at République, working with a team of three Floor Sommeliers and Wine Director, Sam Rethmeier.