Taste Williams Selyem, NOT TO MISS! Weds., 7/17, 5-7pm.

A Special Wine Wednesday Event
Williams Selyem with Philip O’Connor
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Wednesday, June 17th | 5:00–7:00 PM

Our Grand European Tour through Germany has been one of the highlights of the summer, but occasionally an opportunity arises that is simply too extraordinary to pass up.

For one night only, we are interrupting our German journey to welcome Philip O’Connor, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Williams Selyem, for a rare in-store tasting featuring one of California’s most iconic and sought-after wineries.

Founded in 1981 by Burt Williams and Ed Selyem, Williams Selyem helped redefine American Pinot Noir. At a time when few believed California could rival the great wines of Burgundy, they championed the idea that the finest Pinot Noir comes from exceptional vineyard sites and that the winemaker’s role is to preserve, rather than manipulate, the expression of place. Their unwavering commitment to small-lot production, meticulous vineyard sourcing, and gentle winemaking practices established Williams Selyem as one of the original cult wineries of California.

Today, gaining access to these wines remains remarkably difficult. Many bottlings are available only through an allocation list that wine lovers wait years to join. The opportunity to taste multiple Williams Selyem wines side by side, guided by one of the winery’s leaders, is exceptionally rare.

Meet Philip O’Connor

Philip’s journey into wine began around the dining table in Geneva and evolved through some of the world’s most prestigious wine regions. He honed his understanding of hospitality in Michelin-starred restaurants before working harvests throughout Barolo, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Sonoma County.

While working alongside Gonzague and Claire Lurton at their celebrated estates in Margaux and Pauillac, Philip helped launch their Sonoma project, Trinité Estate, in the United States. He later served as General Manager at Wheeler Farms for the Araujo family before leading marketing efforts at both Handwritten Wines and Jessup Cellars in Yountville.

Throughout these experiences, Philip remained a devoted Williams Selyem allocation member himself, eagerly anticipating each release from a winery he long considered a benchmark for American Pinot Noir. In 2025, that admiration came full circle when he joined the Williams Selyem team.

We are honored to welcome Philip to Boulder Wine Merchant for what promises to be an unforgettable evening.

Featured Wines

2023 Williams Selyem Unoaked Chardonnay

A beautifully transparent expression of Chardonnay that emphasizes purity of fruit and site. Without the influence of new oak, the wine reveals layers of citrus, orchard fruit, mineral tension, and vibrant acidity.

2024 Williams Selyem Sonoma County Pinot Noir

The winery’s introduction to the Williams Selyem style. Sourced from premier vineyard sites throughout Sonoma County, this Pinot Noir offers remarkable elegance, red fruit purity, and accessibility.

2024 Williams Selyem Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Reflecting the cool Pacific influence that defines the Sonoma Coast, this bottling showcases lifted aromatics, vibrant acidity, and a savory mineral character that has become a hallmark of the region.

2024 Williams Selyem Westside Road Neighbors Pinot Noir

A true insider’s wine. Drawn from neighboring vineyards along the famed Westside Road corridor of the Russian River Valley, this bottling highlights the area that first inspired Burt Williams and Ed Selyem’s vision. Richly textured yet remarkably poised, it offers a compelling glimpse into one of California’s most hallowed Pinot Noir landscapes.

For collectors, devoted Pinot Noir enthusiasts, and anyone curious to understand why Williams Selyem occupies such a revered place in American wine history, this is a tasting not to be missed.

Wednesday, June 17
5:00–7:00 PM
Boulder Wine Merchant

No reservations required. Come early. These wines, much like their allocations, are not often seen.