ICONIC LIFE Spotlights David Sanders and the Wine Experience at COURSE

COURSE General Manager and certified sommelierDavid Sanders was recently featured byICONIC LIFE in“This Scottsdale Sommelier Is Quietly Revolutionizing How We Pair Wine—and You’ll Want to Take Notes.”

Written by Fran Miller, the feature takes a closer look at David’s journey into the world of wine, his approach to pairing, and the thoughtful wine program he has helped shape at COURSE since joining the restaurant in late 2024.

At COURSE, wine is designed to be an integral part of the dining experience rather than simply an addition to the meal. David works closely with Executive Chef Cory Oppold to develop pairings for each new menu, reviewing dishes and recipes in advance before selecting and tasting wines alongside the final courses ahead of launch. The result is a pairing experience designed to create a conversation between what is on the plate and what is in the glass.

The feature also explores David’s own path into wine. His professional education began while working at Roka Akor, where he enrolled in the Court of Master Sommeliers’ introductory course and began building the knowledge and confidence that would eventually lead him to oversee COURSE’s wine program and an all-certified team.

Throughout the Q&A, David shares approachable advice for guests looking to better understand wine, from developing a palate and navigating a restaurant wine list to understanding terminology, temperature, glassware, and pairing across a multi-course meal. His philosophy encourages curiosity over intimidation and reminds diners that working with a sommelier is an opportunity to explore rather than a test of how much you already know.

That same sense of discovery carries into the wine experience at COURSE. Pairings are selected not only to complement individual ingredients, but also to consider sauces, textures, acidity, sweetness, and the progression of the menu as a whole. David’s approach allows each pour to become another layer of the tasting experience while still leaving room for guests to discover what they personally enjoy.

Ultimately, the feature reflects one of David’s simplest philosophies around wine: the experience should still be enjoyable. Even when traditional pairing rules suggest one direction, personal preference remains an important part of what makes a bottle or pairing memorable.

We’re grateful toICONIC LIFE and Fran Miller for spotlighting David Sanders and sharing a closer look at the knowledge, intention, and hospitality behind the wine program at COURSE.