Christopher Bates, MS, has spent over 15 years in all aspects of the hospitality industry, lending him a well-rounded perspective of all facets. In 2012 Christopher was named Best Young Sommelier in the world after winning Best Young Sommelier in America previously in the year. He went on to win TopSomm 2013, Americas most important sommelier competition, before passing his Master Sommelier Exam, making him the 199th person in the world to do so, and the first to ever pass as a working Executive Chef. Additionally Christopher and his wife Isabel run Element Winery, a small winery in the Finger Lakes of New York producing tiny quantities of highly sought after Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Syrah.

Element Winery is a small boutique winery located in the Finger Lakes region of New York. We make less than 1000 cases of wine from Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Riesling in styles that respect our cool climate.