Conversations with an Artist: Jaton Gunter

Jaton Gunter Conversations with an Artist at Poet and/the Bench

Jaton Gunter is a certified Sommelier through the French Culinary Institute Wine Program (now known as the International Culinary Center). In his career, Jaton has sourced fine wines for clients to ensure they're acquiring wines that meet their personal palate preferences; developed fine wine programs for retailers; and written about wine and poetry. Realizing the oft-confusing world of wine, Jaton knew he had to make the barrier to entry easier, more digestible and accessible for those in the early stages of their wine journey. We met Jaton and learned about his book, Fruit In Glass. We love his humor, approachability and fun tips! Jaton also recently published a wine and food pairing cookbook with chef Armando Tam.  


8 Questions
Describe the moment you realized art/creativity fed your soul.
I've been writing since I was around 8 years old and poetry was my first love! I first knew that creativity was my calling in college and that's also where I found my love for wine! Throughout the last 15 years I've been a wine writer, poet and novelist, which allows for gluttonous lifestyle where my soul's belly stays full!

Jaton Gunter Sommelier author of wine book Fruit In Glass at It’s Bonnie from Poet and/the Bench and/the Bench

What themes do you pursue in your art?
I'm an observer by nature and I enjoy analyzing the human experience. I've always understood that the best way to understand people, whether it be relationships, power, religion or politics, was over a glass of wine.

Tell us about what influences the direction for your craft as a sommelier.
Lowering the barrier of entry for everyone to get into wine.  

How has your work developed over time?
The older I get the more honest I get with myself and this allows me to really dig deep when showcasing my true art.

What’s the most indispensable item in your studio?
Written notebooks and laptop!

Do you collect anything?
Wine, books and art.

What’s the most inspiring thing you’ve seen, read, watched or listened to recently?
Robert Glasper - Black Radio 3

What advice would you give to your younger self about your artistic journey?
Trust yourself, never stop writing and you can do it yourself.

Fruit in Glass about Wine Facts, Myths and Opinions by Sommelier Jaton Gunter

Jaton's book "Fruit in Glass" will help you navigate wine facts and myths and he shares his perspective as a sommelier and wine buyer. It's a fun read!

Cheers to that!

~ Bonnie & Jeffrey

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

hello@poetandthebench.com | 415.569.4383 | 11 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941