Lawrence Stone

Sirita and Rubicon

Mr. Stone may be the most highly honored sommelier in America.  He became the first American to win the title of International Best Sommelier in French Wines and Spirits in Paris and remains the only American to have earned the title of French Maitre Sommelier from the Union de la Sommelerie Francaise. He is also an English-certified Master Sommelier, one of a handful who have passed the examination on the first attempt. 

Larry has been the only two-time recipient of the James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine Service, once for Charlie Trotter's and once for Rubicon, and was Santé magazine's Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional of the Year 2000.  Under his guidance, Rubicon has earned the prestigious Wine Spectator Grand Award annually since 1998.

One of the hallmarks of his influence at Rubicon is the legacy of mentoring, which has made the restaurant a learning institution for the sommelier profession.  Many of the employees who are working here as waiters and bartenders, and even as cooks, are also pursuing their dream of passing the examinations of the Court of Master Sommeliers.  "Graduates" of Rubicon include many of the top wine retailers and sommeliers in the city.

Master Stone has also been named to the Board of Directors of the Coppola Companies, and has worked with Niebaum-Coppola Estate as an advisor. He is currently also on the Board of the Kronos Quartet, a highly acclaimed group whose better known works include Pieces of Africa and the recent Sun Rings. In 2004, Larry was elected to the Board of Directors of the Court of Master Sommeliers as well.  In March of 2005, Larry became a Trustee of the James Beard Foundation and is working to revitalize it with the new board.

Larry Stone has expanded his fascination with the grape by becoming actively involved in winemaking.  He creates Napa Valley Cabernet, Cabernet Franc and Merlot under the Sirita label, named for his daughter.