Name:
Carine Patricio (Portugal)
I am:
Sommelier & Sales Manager at Joh.Jos. Prüm, Mosel Valley, Germany
What inspired me to become a sommelier:
During a semester abroad in Germany, I met a chef [who] needed help in his restaurant… Very soon I realised that I liked being a host and wanted to do more with wine. I found it fascinating. At that time in Hamburg there was a star sommelier, Hendrik Thoma MS, who gave me inspiration. I said to myself: when I grow up, I want to become a sommelier and be like him!
My role model is:
For me, a sommelier should be a top host, modest, humble, have a lot of passion and knowledge, and should want to share their knowledge. Sommeliers like the great and legendary Gerard Basset, the current World Champion and friend Marc Almert, the ambitious Carlos Simoes MS or the powerful and unique Veronique Rivest are real inspiration for me and should be for all of us.
What I love about my profession:
Every day has an inner magic, every day is different. The world of wines is constantly changing, it never gets boring while studying and discovering. You never stagnate, it goes on and on.
My greatest professional achievement is:

I would say that the title of Best Sommelier of Portugal 2020 made me a little proud. And I am really excited about the next step and experience: ASI Best Sommelier of Europe & Africa Contest in Cyprus.

I am really happy that for the first time a woman will represent Portugal at an international contest.

What I enjoy most about taking part in ‘Best Sommelier’ competitions
The great thing about competitions is that you always have to stay up to date; you never stop studying. You compete with the best and can learn a lot from other candidates. It is a fantastic network; you meet incredibly talented colleagues from every continent. My motto has always been: “be better than yesterday and worse than tomorrow”.