chef kristin puttkamer

Canopy Wine Lounge, Palm Springs’ Newest Elegant Oasis Featuring Exceptional Wines from Around the World Officially Introduces Executive Chef Kristin Puttkamer

Canopy Wine Lounge, Palm Springs’ newest oasis, proudly introduces Executive Chef Kristin Puttkamer and her delectable new Fall Menu that will enchant and excite the palates of wine enthusiasts, perfectly pairing Canopy Wine Lounge’s exceptional wines with elevated California cuisine, creating an unforgettable experience right in the heart of Palm Springs!

Elevated California cuisine right in the heart of Palm Springs

Photo Credit: Mollie Kimberling

Canopy Wine Lounge is the first upscale wine lounge in the Coachella Valley, catering to locals, domestic, and international tourists.

With nearly 150 wines from around the world, amongst greats Lithology (St. Helena, CA), Waypoint (Napa, CA), Otronia (Patagonia, Argentina), and Alkina(Barossa Valley, South Australia), it promises an unforgettable experience where the world’s finest wines meet Executive Chef Kristin Puttkamer’s gourmet culinary delights.

Born and raised in the vibrant city of Boston, Kristin Puttkamer’s journey to becoming the esteemed Executive Chef at Canopy Wine Lounge in Palm Springs is marked by an exciting array of experiences and a passion for culinary excellence.

Photo Credit: Mollie Kimberling

Puttkamer’s early exposure to different cultures ignited her love for food and hospitality.

Her travels with her grandmother across Europe, from Ireland to Germany, London to Italy, instilled in her a deep appreciation for diverse flavors and culinary traditions.

Puttkamer took an unexpected turn

After earning her Bachelor of Science in Media and Communications from New York University, Puttkamer took an unexpected turn by entering the finance sector.

She secured a position at Goldman Sachs, where she initially served as a Foreign Exchange Analyst before advancing to a managerial role. However, as her enthusiasm for the finance world in New York City waned, she decided to embark on an adventurous journey by biking across the country.

Where her heart truly belonged

This transformative experience led her to realize that her heart truly belonged to the West Coast.

Photo Credit: Mollie Kimberling

Over the years, she laid down roots in Los Angeles where she worked at various talent agencies, managing numerous celebrities.

Puttkamer ultimately discovered that her genuine passion lay in the culinary arts.

Photo Credit: Mollie Kimberling

Deciding to pursue this newfound calling, she courageously enrolled in culinary school at the age of 38, leaving behind her established career in entertainment. Puttkamer honed her skills through formal education at The Culinary Institute of America in Saint Helena, California.

Winemaker Josh Kelly (Photo: Mollie Kimberling)

During her studies, she embarked on an externship at the Michelin Star restaurant, State Bird, where her culinary prowess caught the attention of Darioush Winery. At Darioush, she worked under Michelin Star Chef Chris Lemerand and Chef Sean Massey, embracing the challenge of crafting innovative menus inspired by California’s seasonal bounty and Persian influences, enhancing the winery’s culinary experience for guests.

Kristin’s culinary journey reached new heights

In 2024, Kristin’s culinary journey reached new heights as she accepted the role of Executive Chef at Canopy Wine Lounge in Palm Springs and with her extensive experience and unwavering dedication to culinary excellence, Chef Puttkamer has created an innovative menu that promises to delight the palates of wine enthusiasts, featuring a delectable array of bites curated to perfection.

vibrant celebration of California’s agricultural bounty

 Executive Chef Kristin Puttkamer’s menu at Canopy Wine Lounge is a vibrant celebration of California’s agricultural bounty, showcasing a commitment to local and seasonal ingredients.

With a creative flair, Chef Puttkamer artfully incorporates premium products, such as Tsar Nicholai Caviar, sourced from Northern California, into her culinary creations. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to highlight the freshness and quality of the ingredients, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors that reflects the essence of this rich agricultural region.

By emphasizing seasonal produce and sustainable practices, Executive Chef Kristin Puttkamer creates an evolving menu that delights the senses while supporting local farmers and producers, inviting guests to experience the true taste of California in every bite.

Executive Chef Kristin Puttkamer’s Fried Green Tomatoes are a standout dish, featuring locally sourced tomatoes that are delicately fried, complemented by fresh, vibrant little gem lettuces from nearby farms.

In addition, her Tartines showcase her artisanal sourdough bread, crafted from a sourdough starter that she has diligently nurtured for over five years. Another menu favorite is the Handmade Potato Cakes layered with Old Bay Remoulade, Dungeness crab and pickled leeks.

Canopy Wine Lounge seamlessly blends the art of winemaking with a vibrant social hub and an elegant event space. This year, they proudly produced a signature wine, Desert Wren, crafted with care by Winemaker Josh Kelly.

At the same time, Canopy Wine Lounge invites guests to unwind in style and enjoy their diverse selection of wines five days a week. As a wine lounge, Canopy offers a diverse selection of wines in brilliantly curated atmosphere with the relaxed appeal of your neighborhood wine bar.

Noah Mamet, former U.S. Ambassador to Argentina from 2014-2017

Canopy Wine Lounge was conceived in collaboration with Noah Mamet, former U.S. Ambassador to Argentina from 2014-2017. His extensive efforts to strengthen bilateral relations were recognized with the Medal of San Martin at the rank of Great Cross by the government of Argentina. In addition to his diplomatic achievements, Mamet is the founder of NMA Partners, a business consulting firm, and he produces wine from his vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina under the label ‘Gran Diplomat.’ 

Canopy Wine Lounge boasts an impressive selection of exceptional wines curated from some of the world’s most renowned winemakers, including Michel Rolland, Philippe Melka, Matt Sands, Alberto Antonini, and Juan Pablo Murgia. The lounge also features Ambassador Mamet’s personal wine portfolio from Mendoza, Argentina under the label, ‘Gran Diplomat,’ showcasing Malbec, Cabernet Franc Blend, and Red Blend and Rosé. Guests can indulge in the exclusive experience of tasting the first and only wine made in Palm Springs by Sommelier and Winemaker Joshua Kelly, Desert Wren, which has finished its ageing process in Canopy Wine Lounge’s terracotta-hued wine amphora and is now available on premise to taste and for purchase.

Nestled near the vibrant Palm Canyon strip, Canopy Wine Lounge showcases the meticulous design work of California Modern and Midcentury Modern maestro Christopher Kennedy. The venue offers a breathtaking view of the San Jacinto Mountains, providing an idyllic setting for a vinous journey around the globe.

So come hungry and happy and enjoy an extraordinary evening at Canopy Wine Lounge!

Canopy Wine Lounge is open every Thursday through Monday from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm and closed every Tuesday and Wednesday. Happy Houris offered every Thursday through Monday from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Guests can enjoy almost 150 wines at Canopy Wine Lounge as well as purchase any bottle for retail. For more information about Canopy Wine Lounge or to make reservations, please call 760.656.0054 or visit www.CanopyWineLounge.com or OpenTable.com.