The Sommelier of Courchevel Bistro talks us through their list.
In the heart of Historic Main Street, Courchevel Bistro serves as a bridge between the Wasatch Mountains and their sister peaks in the French Alps. Jeff Kim, the lead sommelier at Courchevel, has spent the last two years transforming the restaurant’s wine program into one of the largest and most curated in Utah. Under Kim’s guidance, the wine list has become more than just a menu, it is a liquid map of the world’s most iconic alpine regions, designed to perfectly mirror the soul of the restaurant.
We sat down with him to discuss his journey from fine dinning of Vegas to the refined alpine air of Park City, and to get an exclusive look at his top bottle recommendations for the 2026 season.
From the MGM Grand to Park City
The Journey: For Kim, Utah is home, but the road back to Park City was paved with Michelin stars. After discovering a passion for the nuances of sake, he moved to Las Vegas to sharpen his palate at Morimoto and eventually the legendary L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon at the MGM Grand, a Michelin-starred pinnacle of the industry.
The Philosophy: What brought Kim back to Utah? The specific French-Alpine mission of Courchevel Bistro. Having curated the list for two years, his philosophy is built on value and authenticity. He seeks out wines that “blow the guest away” with their quality-to-price ratio, moving beyond trending California chardonnays to find the historic bottles that represent the true foundation of the industry.
Jeff Kim’s Selects: 5 Bottles to Try Now
To represent the “Alps of the World,” Kim has curated a list that spans the French, Swiss, Italian and Austrian peaks.
1. Carco 2022 – Antoine-Marie Arena (Corsica Patrimonio AOC)
- The Choice: A brilliant alternative to chianti.
- Kim’s Take: It offers that familiar sangiovese soul but is rooted in the distinct, rugged territory of Corsican soil. It’s for the diner who wants something recognizable yet entirely unique.
2. Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru “Clos de la Bussière” 2018 – Domaine Georges Roumier
- The Choice: The pinnacle of high-end burgundy.
- Kim’s Take: Roumier is a true icon. This selection showcases the “gallery-level” depth of the Courchevel cellar, which he balances between accessible “good finds” and prestigious “rare gems.”
3. Serge Roh “Pinot Noir de Vétroz” – Valais, Switzerland
- The Choice: Alpine Pinot Noir at its finest.
- Kim’s Take: While most guests are familiar with domestic pinots, he highlights the Valais region of Switzerland. This expression offers a crisp, high-altitude elegance that perfectly mirrors the Park City environment.
4. Lulu Vigneron “Ploussard” – Jura, France
- The Choice: Expanding the variety of the Jura region.
- Kim’s Take: Poulsard (or ploussard) is a delicate, thin-skinned red. It’s a favorite for “insider” wine lovers who appreciate aromatic complexity and a break from the standard varietals.
5. Maison des Ardoisières “Silice Blanc” – Vin de France (Savoie)
- The Choice: The “Namesake” wine of Courchevel.
- Kim’s Take: Made from the indigenous Jacquère grape, this wine is the Alps. It captures the flinty, mineral essence of the Savoie region, home to Courchevel, France, representing the heart of the restaurant’s identity.
🥂 The Dining Experience: Pairing
How Kim Pairs: He approaches every guest with a “soft touch.” He guides tables by starting with the basics: Red or white? Light, medium, or full-bodied? From there, he navigates the guest’s budget to find the best possible value on the list.
The Hidden Gem: Kim suggests looking toward the Provence section. While famous for Rosé, producers like Domaine Fontchêne offer organic, well-sourced reds and whites that represent the terroir of Southern France beautifully, though they are often overlooked by guests in favor of bigger-name regions.
The Advice: “Come in soft and have fun looking through the list.” Kim’s goal is to remove the intimidation of a thick wine list. He encourages diners to look past what’s currently “trending” and explore the wines that historically brought money and craft into the industry. By finding these foundational styles, guests can better discover what their true personal preference is.
Experience Courchevel Bistro
A night at Courchevel Bistro is more than a meal, it’s an education in the glass. Under the expert guidance of Kim, the wine program is known for those who appreciate the history and heart of the Alpine regions. His Michelin-star expertise ensures every guest finds the perfect bottle, whether it’s a rare high-altitude pinot noir or an undiscovered gem from Provence. Come for the world-class cuisine, but stay for the stories told through the meticulously curated cellar.
Visit Courchevel Bistro to experience the premier wine destination in the Wasatch Mountains.
- 📍 Location: 709 Main Street, Park City, UT
- 🍷 The Experience: Talk to Jeff who will guide you through our “Alps of the World” collection.
- 📅 Reservations: Highly recommended (available on Open Table).
