It was the remarkable experience of traveling and studying abroad, begun while earning degrees in Art and English from the University of Dallas, which first inspired Hunter Hammett's passion for fine food and eclectic beverages.  Savoring local specialties - whether stone oven pizza margarita with Marino Bianco, or rohwurst with Hefe-Weisse Dunkel in Munich, or Mezcal with a lick of sea-salt and chili flakes in Oaxaca - sparked his continuing desire to discover diverse cultures and their hidden delicacies. 

Developing sales and service skills in the Dallas hospitality and retail industries, Hammett has achieved his Certified Sommelier, Certified Specialist of Wine, WSET®Advanced Certificate with Distinction in Wine & Spirits and Wine Century Club Doppler credentials. 

Blending his knowledge of wine with fine dining service, he worked as the floor sommelier for The Mansion on Turtle Creek and Fearing's, Ritz-Carlton.  Currently, he directs the wine program for Pyramid Restaurant & Bar, The Fairmont Dallas.  There he researches and selects unique varietals, orchestrates menu pairings, and familiarizes the staff with the extensive wine cellar that he oversees.  His educational role also extends to guests as he offers an engaging and informative program entitled Grape Expressions which explores underrated varietals and growing regions from around the world.  Wine Spectator has recognized his wine program with an Award of Excellencein 2010.

In addition to his specialized wine training, Hammett completed the Certified Specialist of Spirits inaugural examination in 2008 and completed his BarSmarts Advanced Certificatein 2010.  Enlightened by the art of the cocktail and its applications, he began creating his own liqueurs which are now prominently featured on menus throughout The Fairmont Hotel.  Hammett was recognized by D Magazine editors, in the Best of Big D August 2010 issue, as a finalist for the Best Mixologist in Dallas.

Hammett serves as a judge for the Dallas Morning News and Grapevine International Wine Competitions.  He is a speaker for industry panels and charity functions, contributes to local newspaper articles and wine blogs, and has been featured in GQ, Esquire, and several national publications for his outstanding dedication to wine and spirits.