Who We Are
ATX Somms is a public service organization committed to education and mentorship for beverage industry professionals in Austin.
This group connects the community to resources, events, and opportunities and is for all passionate professionals seeking knowledge. We will provide monthly blind tasting practice and educational events presented by experts. ATX Somms will also serve as a network for individuals seeking certification preparation support of any kind.
Mandi Nelson
President/Co-Founder
CS, CSW, WSET Advanced
Mandi began her journey in wine and hospitality at 16, working in Dallas restaurants and country clubs before graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University of North Texas. After moving to Austin, she held key roles including Wine Manager a Fleming’s and GM at TRIO in the Four Seasons. She spent eight years with Republic National Distribution before becoming Beverage Director at New Waterloo, leading programs for several top Austin venues.
In 2018, Mandi became Southern Regional Sales Manager for European Cellars and co-founded ATX Somms, a nonprofit offering free wine education and sommelier prep. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she founded Austin Shift Meal to support unemployed hospitality workers. Most recently, she served as South Central Regional Manager for Folio Fine Wine, overseeing seven states.
A Certified Sommelier and WSET Level 3 graduate with multiple specialist credentials, Mandi is a passionate educator and respected leader in the wine community.
Brian Phillips
Secretary
CMS Advanced
My career path started within upscale hotel brands Omni, Hilton and InterContinental. I gained experience evolving through various roles such as Wine Director, General Manager and Food & Beverage Director. My love for wine grew as I led teams to the development and opening of several unique and award winning restaurant concepts. A later positon with Darden Restaurant group as the Corporate Beverage Director, developing programs for diverse concepts nationally, was my first foray into the national account beverage industry.
Today, I am fortunate to be a part of the Wilson Daniels team growing the leading fine wine portfolio nationally with the country’s most important on and off premise business partners. It is an honor to represent some of the most iconic and important family names in the world of wine.
In addition to my career, I enjoy being the acting Secrearty for the non-profit 501C3 ATX Somms developing wine education and supporting others looking to advance in the industry in my local community of Austin and central Texas. I am a Certified Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers actively sitting for the final MS exam. I particpate in the Society of Wine Educators program growth and I am an active Certified Wine Educator -CWE. I am passionate about supporting others on their wine and career journey, utlimately, advancing the love of wine and important wine culture.
John Pitts
Treasurer
WSET II
John R. Pitts is a Co-Managing Principal at the Texas Star Alliance, where he focuses his work on the development and execution of successful government affairs strategy, and he advises companies and non-profits on strategy and business development. After serving as a Principal in the group for seven years, John was elected to the position of Co-Managing Principal in late 2021. Texas Star Alliance has been consistently ranked a Top Three Government Affairs Firm by Texas Inside.
John is married with three children and is a graduate from the University of Texas in Austin. He has served on the board of several non-profits in Austin.
Casie Wigington
Board Member
CCP, WSET Advanced
Casie Wiginton has worked in the Austin food and wine scene for 20 years now (give or take a few). She was in the inaugural class of Certified Cheese Professionals from the American Cheese Society, has been a judge for the American Cheese Society determining the best cheese made in America that year, is the Chair of the Conference Planning Committee for the American Cheese Society. She was one of the first Certified Cider Professionals in Texas and has completed her WSET3 and is actively pursuing her WSETDiploma.
She has been with Antonelli’s Cheese Shop for 11 years now in every role from Director of Wholesale, Director of Education. Inventory Manager, Wine Buyer, and Event Host. She is also an instructor for the Texas Wine School.
Krista Church
Board Member
CS
Certified Sommelier, jack of all trades, and shop "Dad", Krista gracefully runs the show, including NV's monthly Wine Club. A devoted Francophile with a soft spot for other nooks and crannies of the wine world, Krista stocks the shelves with classic producers and up and comers alike. She brings 10 years of experience as a sommelier in Austin, directing wine programs at Jeffrey's/Josephine House, Eberly, and Parkside Projects.
Kelli Cordovez
Board Member
CSW, WSET Advanced
Kelli’s love affair with wine began while living in Germany in 2016 and grew over the years as she achieved WSET3 with Merit, CSW & Sommelier training. Back in the states, Kelli worked in the sales side of wine as a rep and is now a WSET educator for the Austin branch of the San Diego-based wine school, Freaky Grapes.
Kelli currently works as an expert wine consultant focusing on building wine programs and educating staff in Austin's growing wine scene. She serves on a women-led team as a Sommelier with the private wine experience club, Snooti and is currently pursuing her WSET Diploma certification through the Napa Valley Wine Academy.
Erin Fohn
Board Member
WSET II
Erin Fohn is a marketing strategist, executive leader, and brand builder for restaurants, bars, & food brands that want to thrive.
Over the past two decades, I’ve helped scale concepts from single locations to nationally recognized brands, leading everything from openings and brand development to campaign strategy and team management. My work focuses on building marketing systems that are both creatively sharp and financially smart, designed to drive revenue, loyalty, and long-term brand equity.
I specialize in openings, brand development, team management, and marketing that connects business goals with guest experience.
In addition to restaurant marketing, I work closely with nonprofits to connect communities and build meaningful, cross-collaborative partnerships. I approach cause marketing from all sides: as a strategist, collaborator, board member, and with a passion for programs that can scale nationally, authentically, and make a lasting impact.