Name:
Yuki Hirose
I am:
Sommelier at Rockpool Bar & Grill, Sydney
What inspired me to become a sommelier:
Sophie Otton – She taught me how to open the wines, decant the wines and talk to the guests. It was a big step from a waiter to a somm but she trusted me and encouraged me. Yes, it was 10 years ago.
My role model is:
Michael Engelmann MS – Passing an MS exam at first attempt is not something everyone can do. I saw how he studied and could not believe how deep/detailed he was going. Michael also worked long hours at restaurant. After passing the exam, he organised a number of somm lunches and all of somms in the team (Alex, Seamus, Julia etc) leaned so much from it. Now those guys are running their own wine programs but I’m pretty sure the core philosophy is from Michael. At least mine is.
If I could only take two things to a desert island (that has a fridge), they would be:
Cold Peroni and a bottle of Chablis (2017 Laurent Tribut Beauroy would be nice!)
What I hope to get out of competing in the Best Sommelier of Australia 2020…
1st place!
 

Yuki’s position in the Best Sommelier of Australia 2020 Top 12 is proudly sponsored by Samuel Smith & Son, incorporating Negociants Australia.