What’s News

News from ASI, the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale:   17 Nov 2020. William Wouters of Belgium has been elected the new president of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale. The vote was held as part of the organisation’s annual General Assembly. Wouters is already a well-known figure within the organisation, as an ASI Board … Continued

Best Sommelier of Australia Stage 2 | Semi Finals were held yesterday in both Sydney and Melbourne. Thank you to the Top 11 Semi Finalists for undertaking a full day of tasting, theory and individual service assessments, and congratulations for completing the tasks to such a high level! We look forward to the assessments being … Continued

Name: Carlos Simões I am: Wine director for Vue de monde What inspired me to become a sommelier: The German Rieslings from Pfalz that were brought in by the chef Joachim Koerper in Lisbon at restaurant ‘Eleven’. Back then I thought only Portugal and France was making wine. Then I tried these Rieslings, that were … Continued

Dear Sommeliers Australia Members, Many of you will be aware of the article recently published by the New York Times, highlighting the grossly inappropriate actions of some individual Master Sommeliers associated with the Court of Master Sommeliers Americas chapter. While Sommeliers Australia has no direct partnership with the Court of Master Sommeliers organisation, we as … Continued

Name: Max Gurtler I am: Head sommelier, momofuku seiōbo What inspired me to become a sommelier: Working at Rockpool Bar and Grill. The level of professionalism and standard of service I hadn’t seen before, I was excited to go to work every day and learn. I was fortunate enough to have been invited to go … Continued

Name: Chris Ryan I am: Head Wine Buyer, Cumulus Inc. and Cumulus Up My role model is: Leanne Altmann (Beverage Director, Trader House Restaurants) continues to inspire not just myself but anybody who has an interest in the world of wine.  Beyond her wealth of experience, the trait I admire most is that Leanne’s decisions … Continued

Name: Steve Senturk I am: Sommelier at Bentley Restaurant & Bar, and The Wine Library. What inspired me to become a sommelier: Travelling through the world wine regions, discovering all cultural aspects related to food and wine, then being able to share these stories. My favourite food and beverage match is: Aged Manchego cheese from … Continued

Name: Justin Biskup I am: Wine Manager, Jackalope Hotels What inspired me to become a sommelier: While travelling and pursuing perpetual summer, I developed a trend of working as a bartender at night and doing cellar door sales during the day.  The first time that I encountered a somm was during my time as a … Continued

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 … Continued

Name: Loic Avril I am: Beverage Director, Lucas Group What inspired me to become a sommelier: My Grandfather was a man of the land. Growing vineyards, forest and more. He taught us the smell of the nature. My role model is: Gerard Basset – He was a great inspiration because I was lucky enough to … Continued