WILLIAMSBURG — The Williamsburg Winery announced Riccardo Rinaldi as the new Executive Chef at the Gabriel Archer Tavern on June 5.
Chef Rinaldi brings 22 years of professional experience in Italian, French, molecular, and other cuisines, the winery said, adding “exceptional expertise and creativity to the team.”
According to The Williamsburg Winery’s announcement, Rinaldi grew up in Montecatini Terme, Italy, where he developed a deep respect for local ingredients from his father, who grew the family’s produce and made olive oil and wine. He honed his culinary skills at Ferdinando Martini culinary school and worked in several hometown hotels and an olive oil factory.
After moving to Washington, D.C., in 2005, Rinaldi joined Ristorante Tosca, progressing to Chef de Cuisine. He later worked with Chef Jose Andres at the Two-Michelin Star restaurant Minibar. He returned to Ristorante Tosca as Executive Chef before then exploring diverse the culinary environments at Bresca, Jont, Fiola, and Annabelle.
Rinaldi’s experience includes Executive Sous Chef roles at Michelin-starred Bresca (1 star) and Jont (2 stars), and the winery added he excels in culinary excellence, ingredient sourcing, menu engineering, and managing dining services for up to 300 covers per night, ensuring the highest standards of food safety and quality.
The Williamsburg Winery notes that The Gabriel Archer Tavern, a farm-to-fork dining establishment since 1987, is celebrated for its “Delicious Simplicity,” and under Chef Rinaldi’s leadership, the Tavern “will continue this tradition with new culinary delights.”
“We are excited to welcome Chef Riccardo Rinaldi to our team,” said Michael Kokolis, Chief Operating Officer of The Williamsburg Winery. “His extensive background and passion for both oenology and the culinary arts pair perfectly with our commitment to providing unique and exceptional dining experiences.”
Outside the kitchen, Rinaldi is said to enjoy fishing, paddle boarding, boating, soccer, visiting wineries, wine collecting and attending food festivals.
To learn more about The Williamsburg Winery, please visit its official website.
