Luka Kalinic is general manager of Wit & Wisdom restaurant, located at The Lodge in Sonoma.
And while he didn’t go straight into the hospitality industry, the ethos behind it has always been something he’s been drawn to. He feels that there’s something special about being part of someone’s memorable experience, finding this well-loved quote a favorite: “At the end of the day, people won’t remember what you said or did; they will remember how you made them feel.”
Amber Turpin: How did you get into this work?
Luka Kalinic: From a young age, I was surrounded by food and the hospitality culture. I grew up in the coastal city of Split, Croatia, right on the beautiful Adriatic Sea. Our close family friends owned a well-known fish restaurant where I spent a lot of my childhood. That early exposure sparked a deep appreciation for food, service and the communal spirit of dining.
When I moved to the Bay Area in 2014, I began my journey in hospitality. My professional background was actually in finance, and I had never worked in restaurants before. My first job was as a barback, and from there, I worked my way up—host, server, captain, restaurant manager, assistant general manager and eventually general manager.
Did you ever have an “aha” moment with a certain beverage? If so, tell us about it.
Absolutely. I was working at Pabu, a restaurant by Michael Mina and the late Ken Tominaga, which specializes in Japanese cuisine. That’s where I was first introduced to Japanese whiskeys, and the one that stood out was Yamazaki 12.
I had never tasted anything like it before—so smooth, elegant and incredibly well-balanced. It had the right amount of sweetness and fruitiness, with just a touch of spice. That moment really opened my eyes to the depth and craft of Japanese spirits, and I’ve been a fan ever since.
What is your favorite thing to drink at home?
During the spring and summer months, I love sipping on white burgundy or chablis—something crisp and mineral-driven. In the cooler winter months, I usually reach for syrah or pinot noir. I’ve been drinking less frequently lately, but a thoughtfully chosen glass of wine is still one of life’s simple pleasures.
Where do you like to go out for a drink?
When I go out, it’s usually in San Francisco. I enjoy bars like Peacekeeper and PCH (Pacific Cocktail Haven)—they have great vibes, creative cocktails and talented bartenders who take their craft seriously.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what would you want to be drinking (besides fresh water)?
I’d probably want something refreshing and light—maybe a perfectly chilled glass of chablis or an ice-cold gin and tonic with a twist of lime.
Wit & Wisdom, 1325 Broadway, Sonoma, 707.931.3405. witandwisdomsonoma.com.
