As General Manager of The San Francisco Wine Trading Company, John brings a broad and hands-on perspective to the wine industry. With experience spanning harvest work, opening and operating wine bars, and managing a Michelin-starred restaurant, he has developed a deep and well-rounded understanding of both the production and hospitality sides of the business. He also brings an extensive background in beer, further enriching his approach to beverage curation.

A Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, John is passionate about connecting people with wines that inspire and excite, while maintaining a strong focus on quality and authenticity.

Outside of work, he can often be found hiking, snowboarding, reading, or tending to his beehives.

Certified Sommelier, CMS

Spirits Buyer

Gary got his start in the wine and spirits business in the 1970s at San Francisco’s Tower Market. By 1976, with a strong foundation in the industry and a passion for the trade, he opened his own wine and spirits shop in its current location, naming it MR LIQUOR.

In the late 1990s, as customer tastes began shifting from spirits toward wine—his true passion—he embraced the change and relaunched the store as The San Francisco Wine Trading Company. The new concept featured an expanded wine department while still maintaining an excellent selection of high-end spirits.

A longtime fixture in both the West Portal community and the broader wine and spirits world, Gary built a loyal following of regular clients and friends. He was rarely found away from the store—his second home—but when he was, he could often be found traveling to Europe sourcing wines, swimming at the Olympic Club, or sharing food and wine with family, friends, and clients.

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Derek Smith, Spirits Buyer & Specialist

Bay Area native Derek Smith runs the spirits program at San Francisco Wine Trading Company, overseeing everything from purchasing and curation to sales strategy, marketing content, and consumer education through tastings and events. Since becoming spirits buyer in 2024, he has helped shape the shop’s spirits selection through thoughtful sourcing and deep category knowledge.

Derek began his hospitality career in 2015 in catering and events before moving into specialized wine and spirits retail in 2019. Over time he developed a particular expertise in whiskey, while also cultivating a strong knowledge of agave spirits and the broader global spirits landscape.

In addition to managing the spirits program and hosting tastings at SFWTC, Derek served as a judge for the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

He holds WSET Level 2 in Wine and WSET Level 3 in Spirits and is currently pursuing the Certified Spirits Specialist and Certified Spirits Educator credentials. Outside of work, Derek enjoys staying active with volleyball, tennis, and golf, and unwinding with a good cigar, a well-chosen pour of whiskey, or a cocktail experiment at home. "

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Shipping Manager

Elyssa Brangaitis has a Bachelor's Degree in Neuroscience and is a Court of Master Advanced Sommelier. Loves wine and dogs. 

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