Martin Riese began his renowned career in his native Germany. Today, he is a Water Tasting Educator, acclaimed author, Water Sommelier at Petit Ermitage Hotel in West Hollywood, and the world’s foremost expert on water.
Riese started his culinary journey as an apprentice at the Relais & Châteaux Hotel Stadt Hamburg on the island of Sylt in northern Germany. After completing a multi-year training program, he worked in various positions in the culinary industry in Hamburg before moving to the United States. In 2010, Riese received his certification as a Mineral Water Sommelier from the German Mineral Water Trade Association.
His expert knowledge of water has led to appearances on television and radio programs throughout Europe, South America, and Asia, with the German press referring to him as the country’s foremost water sommelier. In 2009, he co-authored the critically acclaimed book Die Welt des Wasser (World of Water), considered the leading European book on the subject.
In 2013, Riese unveiled his signature water program at Ray’s & Stark Bar at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, followed by a program at the Patina Restaurant in the Walt Disney Concert Hall in 2014. That summer, he launched the Water 101 Class, where he educates students on the unique qualities and characteristics of mineral water.
In August 2018, Riese, along with his business partner Michael Mascha (Founder of the Fine Water Society), launched the Fine Water Academy. The Academy is an online-based school for training future Water Sommeliers worldwide.
Since his return to the U.S., Riese has appeared on numerous national media outlets including Good Morning America, CNN, The New York Times, Bon Appétit, Los Angeles Times, NPR, Buzzfeed, and Conan O’Brien.
Martin Riese began his renowned career in his native Germany. Today, he is a Water Tasting Educator, acclaimed author, Water Sommelier at Petit Ermitage Hotel in West Hollywood, and the world’s foremost expert on water.
Riese started his culinary journey as an apprentice at the Relais & Châteaux Hotel Stadt Hamburg on the island of Sylt in northern Germany. After completing a multi-year training program, he worked in various positions in the culinary industry in Hamburg before moving to the United States. In 2010, Riese received his certification as a Mineral Water Sommelier from the German Mineral Water Trade Association.
His expert knowledge of water has led to appearances on television and radio programs throughout Europe, South America, and Asia, with the German press referring to him as the country’s foremost water sommelier. In 2009, he co-authored the critically acclaimed book Die Welt des Wasser (World of Water), considered the leading European book on the subject.
In 2013, Riese unveiled his signature water program at Ray’s & Stark Bar at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, followed by a program at the Patina Restaurant in the Walt Disney Concert Hall in 2014. That summer, he launched the Water 101 Class, where he educates students on the unique qualities and characteristics of mineral water.
In August 2018, Riese, along with his business partner Michael Mascha (Founder of the Fine Water Society), launched the Fine Water Academy. The Academy is an online-based school for training future Water Sommeliers worldwide.
Since his return to the U.S., Riese has appeared on numerous national media outlets including Good Morning America, CNN, The New York Times, Bon Appétit, Los Angeles Times, NPR, Buzzfeed, and Conan O’Brien.
