Adam Darlington's journey in the restaurant business began in college and continued as he found his first true mentor and became fully immersed in the world of fine dining working for the Boca Restaurant Group in Cincinnati. The following year, he passed his certified sommelier exam and went to work for the Michelin-starred restaurant Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder under the tutelage of Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey, an alumnus of The Little Nell's wine program. Adam's passion for hospitality is rooted in the principle of Ernest Hemingway's short story "A Clean Well-Lighted Place" - the idea of providing a welcoming and comfortable environment for all to enjoy food, drink, and company. Adam joined The Nell in 2024 as a sommelier, drawn to the hotel's reputation for excellence, its access to renowned wines, and the chance to collaborate with knowledgeable peers. He's currently studying to become an advanced sommelier and enjoys interacting with guests from all walks of life, welcoming them in a “clean, well-lighted place” to enjoy.