Liz Mitchell

New Orleans native Liz Dowty Mitchell has devoted the past 19 years to learning everything she can about wine, traveling to all major wine-producing regions and working in various aspects of the industry, including wine bars, wine shops, restaurants, wine distributors, and importers. “Wine is one of the most interesting subjects in the world,” says Liz. “It involves history, culture, language, science, and art.”

Growing up in New Orleans, Liz was surrounded by a culture of food and hospitality and always intended to become a restauranteur. Following her graduation from The University of Georgia with a business degree, she began her career at The Wine Loft and Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group where she was first introduced to wine. But it wasn’t until she moved to California that she developed a true passion for wine and a commitment to sharing her knowledge with others.    

Throughout her professional career, Liz has remained active in the sommelier community, completing all three portions of the Master Sommelier Diploma, and earning an official designation as Advanced Sommelier. She has also competed in and won various national sommelier competitions over the years and been featured as a judge, speaker, and participant in many of the premier wine festivals throughout the country.

Liz landed her role as Soby’s Director of Wine Education and Training after her husband, John Mitchell (a Greenville native), connected her with Table 301 owner, Carl Sobocinski. In January 2024, she brought her wealth of experience to the company, overseeing Soby’s sommelier and service team training, as well as providing ongoing wine education for other Table 301 associates. Liz collaborates with Soby’s wine director in curating and managing the overall wine program while also creating unique wine experiences for guests including wine dinners and tastings.

Outside her work, Liz enjoys spending time with her husband and children, and attending festivals and concerts, with Beyoncé and Taylor Swift as two of her favorites. A serious dancer in college, she now dances for fun and practices yoga. She loves traveling and visiting the various wine regions of the world.