Every wine has a story, and Paul Botamer is an expert storyteller. For more than 25 years, he has been talking about wine, from its history to its complex flavors. He has also shared this knowledge in some of the nation’s top restaurants, including Fearing’s, where he currently serves as director of wine. Botamer is recognized as an Advanced Sommelier by Court of Master Sommeliers and is a member of the Society of Wine Educators. He has been recognized as one of the Best Sommeliers in DFW by CBS DFW, and he has been featured in several renowned publications including Wine Enthusiast, D Magazine and Wine Spectator. As Director of Wine for Fearing’s Restaurant, Botamer oversees the restaurant’s beverage program featuring an extensive wine and spirits menu which is served in all seven of the restaurant’s distinct atmospheres, including the private 6,000-bottle Wine Cellar. Botamer is responsible for the creation and execution of unique special event beverage menus, including wine dinners with some of the nation’s top wine makers; past participants include Kevin Buckler of Adobe Road and Randy Lewis of Lewis Cellars. Fearing’s receipt of accolades from notable local, regional, national and international publications is in large part thanks to Botamer’s efforts. He joined the Fearing’s opening team in 2007 from The Mansion on Turtle Creek. He also has brought his talents to Mary Elaine’s at the Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. Throughout his career, Paul Botamer has been a member of teams which have been recognized with the Wine Spectator Grand Award, AAA Five-Diamond Award, nomination for the James Beard Foundation’s award for Best Wine Service in the Country in 2001, 2003 and 2004, and a No. 1 Hotel Dining ranking for Fearing’s by the prestigious Zagat Survey. An avid reader and history buff, Botamer enjoys traveling to vineyards across the world to continue sharpening his education in the field.