| Name: Jarrett Buffington |
| I am: Assistant Restaurant Manager/Sommelier at Nel Restaurant. |
| What inspired me to become a sommelier: I’ve always been curious about cultures around the world. While working my first fine dining job in Texas I realised that a bottle of wine could encompass so much about a culture and history without ever having to travel. And so my search for knowledge began shortly after. |
| My greatest professional achievement is: My time working at Felix was the greatest. Working within a diverse Sommelier team with one of the best wine lists in the country. I was extremely lucky to have that experience. |
| How can a producer get their wine/beverage on my list? Most wine I buy is bought with the intention of going on the classic or premium pairing menu. It changes around a lot, so bring me something unique or a classic with age and I’ll most likely find a place for it. I want my guests to experience drinking something they wouldn’t normally have. |
| What I hope to get out of competing in the Best Sommelier of Australia 2020… It’s a competition and the goal is definitely to win. But at the same time I’ll be simultaneously showing diversity being a Black American Sommelier, sharing significant moments with other Sommeliers and making my mom proud. I’ll be okay with the latter three in the end. |
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Jarrett’s position in the Best Sommelier of Australia 2020 Top 12 is proudly sponsored by Shaw + Smith. |
