Prominent US sommelier accused of sexual assault

US-based sommelier, Anthony Cailan, has been accused of sexual assault by multiple women according to a report published in The New York Times.

US-based sommelier Anthony Cailan. Photo credit: Winc

Cailan, 29, the former wine director at the now-closed Hayden in Culver City, most recently helped open The Usual restaurant in New York with his chef brother Alvin.

According to The New York Times, four women have accused Cailan of sexual misconduct, including wine bar manager Raquel Makler, who had previously worked with Cailan at Hayden and had moved to New York to pursue a position at The Usual.

Makler claimed that Cailan had sexually assaulted her at his New York apartment.

Wine sales representative, Sarah Fernandez, also told the paper that Cailan had been sexually aggressive towards her at his home.

Two further women who didn’t want to be named for fear of damaging their careers also made similar allegations against Cailan.

Just last month Cailan graced the cover of Wine & Spirits magazine and was named a rising star of the wine industry.

Prior to The Usual, he has clocked up sommelier stints at Bestia, Animal and Eggslut in LA, the latter of which was founded by his brother, Alvin Cailan.

In an email to The New York Times, Cailan insisted that the allegations were “false” and said that he is looking forward to the opportunity to clear his name.