Master Sommelier, TV Host, Entrepreneur

Chicago, IL, USA
Live Event: $10,000 - $20,000 Virtual Event: Please Contact More Fee Info

Alpana Singh Biography

One of just 274 master sommeliers worldwide, and one of just 24 women to be given the distinction, Alpana Singh became the youngest woman ever to pass the final level of the Master Sommelier exam at age 26. Born and raised in Monterey, California, her early work experience came from working in her family's ethnic grocery store, instilling in her a strong work ethic and ease with people of all backgrounds. Her passion for wine was ignited while waiting tables in college, combining her interests in travel, history, and food.

Singh shares her journey from being the daughter of Fijian-Indian immigrants to becoming a successful entrepreneur and television personality in a male-dominated field. She educates audiences on wine, teaching them how to taste "blind," make professional purchases, and pair wines seamlessly with meals.

Starting her career at 19 as a wine sales clerk at Nielsen Bros. Market in Carmel, California, Singh quickly ascended to a sommelier position at Everest Restaurant in Chicago by age 23. She earned her Master Sommelier title three years later. This achievement, combined with her dynamic presence, led to her role as host for ten seasons of the three-time Emmy Award-winning restaurant review show, "Check, Please!" on Chicago’s PBS station. She returned to the show in 2018 after a brief hiatus.

In 2006, Singh authored "Alpana Pours: About Being a Woman, Loving Wine, and Having Great Relationships," a lifestyle book that intertwines wine insights with societal observations on relationships. The book offers a humorous and relatable look at interactions between men and women, along with entertaining hosting and entertaining tips.

Singh's entrepreneurial spirit led her to open The Boarding House in Chicago’s River North neighborhood in December 2012. She expanded her restaurant portfolio with Seven Lions on Chicago's Michigan Avenue in February 2015 and Terra & Vine in Evanston, Illinois, in 2016. Most recently, she launched Alpana in Chicago’s historical Gold Coast in 2022, reinforcing her significant impact on the local culinary scene.

A key figure in the Illinois Restaurant Association and on the Executive Committee of Choose Chicago as Treasurer, Singh was pivotal in bringing the James Beard Foundation Awards to Chicago in 2015. She remains a dedicated supporter of Deborah's Place, which assists and empowers women facing homelessness.

BOOK Alpana Singh

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 06/16/2025.

Alpana Singh Speaking Topics

  • Motivation & Determination in Life: How the Daughter of Fiji Immigrants Became the Youngest Woman to Ever Pass the Master Sommelier Exam

  • Turning a Passion for Wine into a Career

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Alpana Singh Videos

Terroir - Alpana Singh

Terroir - Alpana Singh

One Chicago Stories - Alpana Singh

One Chicago Stories - Alpana Singh

Global Perspectives: Alpana Singh

Global Perspectives: Alpana Singh

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  • What topics does Alpana Singh speak about?

    Alpana Singh is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Asian & Pacific Heritage, Author, Celebrity, Celebrity Chef, Culture, Diversity & Inclusion, Hospitality, Non-Fiction Authors
  • Where does Alpana Singh travel from?

    Alpana Singh generally travels from Chicago, IL, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Alpana Singh is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Motivation & Determination in Life: How the Daughter of Fiji Immigrants Became the Youngest Woman to Ever Pass the Master Sommelier Exam, Turning a Passion for Wine into a Career, Pairing Wine with Food, The Basics of Wine Tasting: How to Taste Like a Master Sommelier, How to Run a Successful Beverage Program: From Purchasing to Developing & Maintaining a Wine Cellar and It’s all in the nose. . The estimated speaking fee range to book Alpana Singh for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Alpana Singh generally travels from Chicago, IL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Will Guidara, DLynn Proctor, Erik Segelbaum, Jörn Kleinhans and Andrea Immer Robinson. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Alpana Singh for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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