Bartender Atlas: Where were you born?
Kristine Bocchino: I was born in Los Angeles, California. Born and raised in Malibu.
BA: Where do you live now?
KB: I live in the Piemonte region of Italy in a city called Alessandria.
BA: What is your job title, or how would you describe your role in the hospitality industry?
KB: Wow, over the past 30 years there’s been many, but most recently I was a beverage director at Four Seasons and now I’m consulting for brands and co-founder of the Ada Coleman Project.
BA: Where do you go out to eat and drink on your days off? Not when you’re having a meeting, not when you’re trying out a new place, not when you’re going to support your friend’s new place?
KB: My Italian husband and I go to our local wine bar that’s actually on our street that we can see from our window.
BA: What do you do as a hobby, on days off? What do you do when you’re not thinking about work?
KB: We take trips on our motorcycle. We do two or three day trips around Italy, exploring and experiencing every region.
BA: What’s one album that you think everybody should listen to?
KB: Dark Side of the Moon
BA: Would you need to listen to it at the same time as watching The Wizard of Oz?
KB: Sure, but I think it’s appropriate many other times too.
BA: What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever gotten? Doesn’t need to be work-related.
KB: Believe in yourself.
BA: What’s something that you’re excited about? What’s coming up?
KB: I am excited to spend more time in Italy and travel a little bit less and enjoy my newfound marriage.
RETURN TO ALL HOSPITALITY GEMS
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Posted July 28th, 2025
