Danielle Kuzinich
Proprietor
Danielle Kuzinich was the longtime general manager, wine director and chef of The Hidden Vine, recognized as one of the country’s best wine bars, before taking over the bar and rebranding it as the San Francisco Wine Society in 2021. At SFWS, Danielle and her team of seasoned sommeliers celebrate great wines from around the world with a list recognized by Wine Spectator with a Best of Award of Excellence.
Danielle always knew she wanted to be in hospitality, so at the age of 18 she enrolled herself in The California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. After going for what she thought was an interview as a server, she left with a job as a cook at a local restaurant. Although she has a love for cooking, she knew her passion was in the front of house. While still attending CCA, she left her position as Sous Chef and took a job as an Assistant Manager at Town Hall Restaurant in San Francisco. At just 19, she was managing one of most popular restaurants in San Francisco. It was there she worked under Doug Washington mastering the art of hospitality.
Danielle left Town Hall to join the team at Fifth Floor, a one-star Michelin restaurant as Director of Guest Relations. During the day Danielle would book private dining and take reservations. At night she would Matîre’d. Danielle spent her down time in the office studying wine and caught the eye of her soon to be mentor, Emily Wines, MS. Under her watchful eye; Danielle passed her Introductory and Certified with the Court of Master Sommelier; both within five months of turning 21. Shortly after, she took the position of Wine Director at Grand Café; It was at Grand Café that Danielle found her passion for sharing her knowledge and educating her team.
Danielle is a Bay Area native who has spent her entire career anchored in San Francisco. When she’s not working, she relaxes by throwing epic dinner parties.