RIO VERDE, Ariz. – Rio Verde Country Club Food & Beverage Manager Andres Ocampo has earned the Introductory Sommelier Certificate from the Court of Master Sommeliers, one of the most respected organizations in the wine industry. Ocampo passed the examination on Oct. 4, 2026, following four months of dedicated coursework and study.
The achievement demonstrates Ocampo’s strong foundation of knowledge in the world’s major wine regions and grape varieties, winemaking, proper wine service, and the Court’s structured approach to tasting. The certificate represents the first of four levels in the Court of Master Sommeliers’ education and certification program, and Ocampo plans to continue pursuing additional credentials.
Ocampo began his career at Rio Verde Country Club as a server before advancing into management. Following his promotion to Food & Beverage Manager, his involvement with the Club’s wine program sparked a growing interest in the subject. That interest quickly developed into a passion for wine education and a commitment to becoming a knowledgeable resource for the Club’s membership.
“Our members deserve a great experience every time they sit down for a meal, and wine is a big part of that. Having this training means I can help them discover something new and find the right pairing for whatever they’re enjoying,” said Ocampo.
Building upon his newly acquired knowledge, Ocampo plans to further develop the Club’s wine selection, introducing members to additional varieties and regions from around the world.
“Andres knows the members, and he knows what they enjoy. Pairing those relationships with real wine expertise makes every dinner at the clubhouse a little more special,” said Clubhouse Manager Stephen Hamilton.
“I’m thrilled with Andres’ achievement, but I’m even more impressed by the passion, initiative, and dedication to excellence that motivated him to pursue it,” said Anthony Paino, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of Rio Verde Country Club. “His commitment to professional growth reflects the standard of hospitality we strive to provide, and I’m confident his contributions will continue to enhance the member experience.”
About Rio Verde Country Club
Located in the scenic Sonoran Desert northeast of Scottsdale, Arizona, Rio Verde Country Club is a private, 36-hole golf club featuring two championship golf courses, Quail Run and White Wing. The Club offers golf, dining, social events, and a welcoming environment centered on exceptional service and member experiences. Residents of the Rio Verde community also enjoy access to a variety of recreational and lifestyle amenities provided by the Rio Verde Community Association, including fitness, swimming, tennis, pickleball, bocce, and special interest clubs. Golf memberships are available to both residents and nonresidents, with membership privileges varying by category. Rio Verde Country Club is proudly managed by Troon Privé, the private club operating division of Troon.
About Troon
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company, providing services at locations in 45-plus states and 40-plus countries. In addition to private, daily fee, resort and municipal golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Indigo Sports, CADDIEMASTER, ClubUp, Cliff Drysdale Management, Peter Burwash International, True Club Solutions, RealFood Hospitality, Strategy & Design and RF DesignStudio, ICON Management and Eventive Sports. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com.
Media Contacts:
Rob Myers
Troon
480.477.0506
rmyers@troon.com
Sean Hitchcock
Director of Marketing & Communications
Rio Verde Country Club
480.471.7010
shitchcock@rioverdecc.com
