Our Sommelier

Food and Beverage Director, Thad Hoy wasn't a wine aficianado before he joined our staff in 1995, but he has become an avid studend of the grape and our expert sommelier.  As such, Thad is always available to help our guests enjoy the wine that will most ideally complement Executive Chef Mark Salter's delicious menus.

Thad has taken classes with renowned grapevine geneticist Dr. Carol Meredith at the University of California-Davis, and has visited numerous vineyards throughout the U.S. and Europe on his many buying trips.  "You can learn so much more from the vintners themselves than from any book," says Thad, who nonetheless is an avid reader of all things wine-related.

Under Thad's direction, Perry Cabin has received the Wine Spectator "Award of Excellence" for 11 consecutive years for its well-rounded offerings that include the always-popular Pinot Noir, the Burgundies ("a lovely food win," says Thad), hearty Cabernets, and spicy Gewurtztraminers. Thad also enjoys showcasing regional wines, such as those from the award-winning Little Ashby Vineyards, located here on the Eastern Shore.  

Thad has become such a wine enthusiast that he has even grown his own grapes - "not so successfully," he chuckles.  "But I enjoy the process of producing something from plant to earth to bottle."

While Thad is more than happy to assist you with your wine selection and offer you his educated suggestions, he also wants you to know that there is no right or wrong choice.

"The best bottle of wine is the one you like," he says.