Patrick Emerson is an Advanced Sommelier of the Court of Master Sommeliers, as well as a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW). He is one of only two professionals in the state of South Carolina to hold the Advanced level certification, with less than 100 in the United States.

Originally from England, Patrick took a fascinating route to Charleston, first traveling to the United States to attend the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, as recipient of a prestigious Morehead scholarship. The Morehead externship program then exposed Patrick to South Africa, where he and his wife Anne settled after graduation and he pursued his interest in theater and wine. Four years later the prospects of an acting career moved them to New York City.

As many thespians do, Patrick found employment in restaurants around the city: Martinis in midtown and with Josephinas in Lincoln Center. After four years in New York City, acting opportunities led Patrick and Anne to Los Angeles and Hollywood. There, while acting part time, he worked for the Patina group at Pinot Hollywood and helped open Europa restaurant in Beverly Hills, heading up the bar and wine program.

Thanksgiving 2000 brought with it a son named Luke and the decision to move closer to Anne’s family in North Carolina. While working in Wilmington, Patrick and Anne made an anniversary trip to Charleston, a visit which led to their decision in August, 2004 to complete their circuitous route to the Lowcountry. Daughter Lily was born in 2005.

Patrick received his CSW in spring of 2006 through the Society of Wine Educators. He received his certified sommelier award from the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2007, and his advanced level in 2009.

As Wine and Beverage Director, Patrick develops the wine programs and directs purchasing for all Maverick restaurants. His responsibilities include wine training for all staff; developing special wine dinners and events; and teaching public wine classes at the company’s culinary center, Charleston Cooks!  He has won multiple awards from Wine Spectator for the Maverick restaurants' wine lists.  His signature cocktails have also received national acclaim: the Charleston Cocktail is published in Food & Wine Magazine's Annual Cocktail Book (2007); and the Blu Bayou cocktail will be featured by Bombay Sapphire in GQ Magazine, Man of the Year Edition 2009. Patrick writes many beverage articles and is published in GS Magazine and Charleston Magazine.