Daniel Johnnes is the founder of La Paulée in the United States, a world-renowned Burgundy wine festival. Louis-Michel Liger Belair, one of the foremost winemakers in Burgundy, calls La Paulée “...the finest Burgundy wine tasting in America… all the great estates go at least every two years, as well as everyone who matters in the world of wine in the US (and in many other countries), whether they’re a consumer, member of the trade, or sommelier. It’s ‘the place to be’ in the American wine world.”

In addition to his work organizing La Paulée and sister festivals La Fête du Champagne and La Tablée which feature the wines of Champagne and the Rhône Valley, respectively, Daniel is the Wine Director for Daniel Boulud’s Dinex Group, which includes over 15 restaurants in New York City and throughout the world. He also manages the wine program for American Express’s Centurion New York in the One Vanderbilt building. 

He is also the founder of Pressoir, which offers intimate wine experiences, consulting services, and an exclusive club.

Daniel has received two of the highest honors from the French Republic for his efforts in the furtherance of French wine and culture by being named a Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite Agricole (2016) and Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite (2023). He is a three-time James Beard Award winner, including the prestigious Who’s Who among Food & Beverage in America award.

Daniel and his team’s commitment to mentorship has culminated in the Sommelier Scholarship Fund, a 501(c)3 organization that offers educational experiences to rising wine professionals to learn firsthand about the people, culture, winemaking, and terroir that so inspired Daniel during his first trips to France.