Circa 1886 Welcomes Back Sommelier Anne Hampton
Circa 1886 is delighted to announce the return of Anne Hampton, who has rejoined the team as Sommelier. A familiar face to many, Anne brings with her a wealth of wine knowledge, a warm and approachable philosophy, and a true passion for making wine fun. She has already begun elevating the restaurant’s wine program and looks forward to guiding guests through a world of memorable pairings and discoveries.
From Iowa to Charleston: A Journey Shaped by Hospitality
Anne’s journey has been as layered and expressive as the wines she loves. Originally from Iowa, she spent two decades in the scenic Vail Valley of Colorado before making Charleston her home in 2016. Hospitality has been a constant throughout her life, beginning with her very first job in restaurants. “I’ve always loved the ever-changing atmosphere,” she reflects. “The people are always different, but the goal is the same—making people happy and ensuring everything runs smoothly.” Her love of wine, which began as curiosity while exploring restaurant wine lists, deepened over the past decade into a true vocation.
A Return to “Home” at Circa 1886
Anne first joined Circa 1886 in 2017, quickly progressing from server and part-time bartender to leading the restaurant’s bar program and designing cocktail menus. After five years, she stepped away to explore other facets of the industry, including work as a wine representative and managing wine programs at other restaurants. Ultimately, the pull of Circa 1886 brought her back. “This place has always felt like home,” Anne says. “I gained so much here the first time around, and it’s wonderful to return with fresh experiences and perspective.”
Demystifying Wine: Expertise with an Approachable Spirit
Anne’s impressive credentials include Certified Sommelier (Court of Master Sommeliers), Certified Specialist of Wine, Certified Specialist of Spirits, and WSET Level 2. Yet despite her extensive training, her philosophy is simple: wine should be approachable, inclusive, and fun. “There’s still a stigma that wine is intimidating or pretentious,” she explains. “I want people to feel comfortable, to enjoy exploring, and to see that there really is a wine for everyone.” Her approachable teaching style has already shaped Circa 1886’s service, as she works closely with staff and guests alike to make wine discovery both exciting and memorable.
The Art of Pairing with Chef Marc Collins
One of Anne’s greatest joys is pairing wine with Executive Chef Marc Collins’ celebrated menus. “Chef Marc’s dishes are so layered and creative,” she says. “On paper, you might imagine one pairing, but then you taste his food and realize there’s an unexpected brilliance in the flavors. That’s when the real ‘aha’ moments happen.” She cites pairings such as a cabinet-style Riesling with foie gras custard as examples of how the right wine can elevate and balance a dish in remarkable ways. Her vision for the wine program is to maintain a well-rounded, approachable, and delightful experience.
A Love Affair with Spain (and Champagne!)
Anne admits to being “a little bit Spain-obsessed,” praising the country’s often-underrated wines. A recent trip to Rioja left her inspired, walking from winery to winery and tasting bottles that rarely make it to the United States. When pressed for a “desert island” wine, however, her answer is immediate: Champagne. “It goes with anything, it makes everyone happy, and it makes me happy—even on a desert island.”
A Woman in Wine
While the sommelier profession has historically been male-dominated, Anne has always focused on forging her own path. “I’ve never felt held back by being female,” she notes. “For me, it’s about passion and persistence. If you love this work, the long hours and challenges are worth it. Her advice for aspiring sommeliers, especially women, is to embrace that passion fully. “There are so many incredible experiences to be had—from tasting with great people to traveling to vineyards around the world. If you love it, it’s the most rewarding career.”
Beyond the Bottle: Life in Charleston
Outside of Circa 1886, Anne’s life is as full and dynamic as her wine program. She enjoys Saturday mornings at the Charleston farmers market with her dog, Nero, supporting local farmers and gathering fresh produce. She also has a creative streak, having built bars, a wine room, decks, and even lamps for her home. Currently, she is training for a fitness competition and coaching a weekly HIIT class. “Charleston has everything I love—it’s beautiful, vibrant, and feels like home,” she says.
Raise a Glass with Us
Circa 1886 invites guests to experience Anne Hampton’s expertise and approachable spirit firsthand. Whether discovering the perfect pairing for one of Chef Collins’ new dishes, learning something new about a favorite varietal, or simply enjoying a glass recommended by her, Anne ensures that each moment is as engaging as it is delicious.
Cheers to Anne—we are thrilled to welcome her home.