| I AM: Wiremu Andrews, Chief box maker, Dearth of a Salesman wine services (VIC & Nat. Exec. Committees) |
| I BECAME A COMMITTEE MEMBER TO: Give back. Having received support from the association in the past, I aim to encourage others who are finding their path in the wine and hospitality landscape. Always looking to learn, whilst passing on the knowledge I have acquired. |
| MY BACKGROUND IS: I’m Māori. My iwi (tribe) are: Te Arawa (Tapuika) and Ngāti Kahungunu from Te Ika-a-Māui / North Island of Aotearoa / New Zealand. I immigrated to Australia in 2006 and pursued my goal of working in wine as a sommelier. Although I still work part-time slinging bottles, I now spend a fair chunk of my time selling wine to the trade. |
| ONE THING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME IS… In a former life, I was in a band in Auckland, studied Audio Engineering, and co-hosted a weekly show called Hindsight on BaseFM, an independent radio station that aims to bring underground music to Auckland’s inner city fringe suburbs. |
| THE MOTTO I LIVE BY IS: Knowledge is power. |
| THE PERFECT MEAL WOULD BE: Anything typical of a region I’m visiting with an honest, locally-made wine in a bustling location where I feel like I’m living as the people from there do. |
| WHAT I ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A PART OF THE WINE INDUSTRY IS … It can feel like a family despite it spanning the globe and many cultures. |
![For our first Best Sommelier of Australia Spotlight, we hear from Best Sommelier of Australia 2020 runner-up and Australia's representative at ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2023 in Paris, Paolo Saccone @vinobypaolo.
Here Paolo shares what inspired him about the competition journey...
"Entering the Best Sommelier of Australia competition was more than a challenge; it was a journey of self-discovery and passion.
Last year's [Best Sommelier of the World 2023] semi final and final were stepping stones in my quest for continuous excellence.
To all aspiring sommeliers: Embrace the uncertainty, savour the journey, and let your dedication uncork the limitless opportunities that await.
Cheers to chasing dreams and pouring greatness into every drop!"
Don't miss your chance to excel!
FOR MORE INFO & TO REGISTER: visit the link in our bio.
Registration closes Sunday 12 May.
#sommeliersaustralia #bestsommelieraust2024 #sommlife #sommelier #sommcommunity #asisomms #wineeducation #wine #wineknowledge #wineindustry #knowledgeispower #mastersommoceania #wset #wsetglobal #winelover🍷](https://sommeliers.com.au/sa-site-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)