Passionfish’s wine director celebrates a James Beard nomination.

Jannae Lizza likes to have fun with wine, and with Passionfish’s extended library of 400 choices, she has a lot of it.

Lizza, who’s been wine director for about a decade (and 20 years at Passionfish in total), was excited to learn that her efforts have led to a semifinalist nomination for Outstanding Wine Program with the James Beard Foundation, announced Feb. 15.

“Never in my life did I think it might happen. It’s pretty crazy,” Lizza says.

Passionfish is one of three restaurants in California nominated in the category for 2018 and might stand out due to Lizza’s efforts to help expand customers palates.

“I like getting customers inspired to try different things,” she says. “Because we don’t mark our wine up too much, I try to bring fun wines you normally wouldn’t try elsewhere.”

Weekly: What’s your go-to drink after a busy night at the restaurant?

Lizza: Sour beer. Late at night, I just need something refreshing and easy.

What’s your go-to non-wine drink?

Acme Coffee Roasting Co. has turmeric tea they mix with honey.

What’s the best and worst bottle of wine you’ve ever had?

The best, I haven’t had it yet. As to the worst, we have a game at the restaurant where we try to pair the worst possible food with a good wine.

Are guests nervous about bringing wine to your house for a dinner party?

They’re not nervous, but they’ll pick my brain about wine at the grocery store. Sometimes they’ll text me a picture from the store and I try to steer them in the right direction.

How important are proper wine glasses?

It depends on the wine. If it’s everyday dinner wine, any glass is OK.