Spotlight

Name: Miyuki Morimoto (Japan) I am: Sommelier at Conrad Tokyo, Hilton Group. What inspired me to become a sommelier: When I was still a section waitress, our sommelier made me taste Château Ducru Beaucaillou 1995 as he had to confirm the wines condition before serving. I was impressed with the deliciousness of that Château Ducru … Continued

Name: Emma Farrelly (Perth, AU) I am: Director of Wine, The State Buildings/Como The Treasury. What inspired me to become a sommelier: My parents took me to the annual ‘Flowering of the Vine’ lunch at Frankland Estate when I was 18. It was the first time I had tasted wine that made me think. I … Continued

Name: Heidi Mäkinen MW (Finland) I am: Wine Ambassador, Viinitie and President, Finnish Sommelier Association. What inspired me to become a sommelier: Endless curiosity in wine and my will to learn more. My role model is: People who decide they want to accomplish something and make it happen. My greatest professional achievement is: Becoming Master … Continued

Name: Ellie Ash (Melbourne, AU) I am: Sommelier at Recreation Bistro x Bottleshop. What inspired me to become a sommelier: It started with an enjoyment of wine that made me want to learn more about it. I made a big career change to pursue that passion and am glad that I did. My role model … Continued

Name: Nina Jensen (Denmark) I am: Head Sommelier at Restaurant Lyst, Vejle What inspired me to become a sommelier: The people I was surrounded with during my internship as a waiter. They remain some of the most skilled sommeliers in Denmark today: to get such a passionate introduction to wine has been alpha & omega. … Continued

  Name: Christina Kaigg (Melbourne, AU) I am: Assistant wine buyer at Atlas Vinifera, Victorian Brand Ambassador – Burch Family Wines, FWS Certified Educator. What inspired me to become a sommelier: I grew up working in restaurants where wine was part of the conversation but due to a lack of knowledge in those venues, was … Continued