| 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 was already working in hospitality at the time, but that definitely sparked something in me to work towards a more wine focused future. |
| My role models are: Probably my 2 older sisters – they have both worked very hard to succeed in their respective industries. I ask for their advice often and thoroughly respect what they have achieved. They are also both excellent mothers themselves and the best aunties to my sons. |
| My greatest professional achievement is: Being announced Gourmet Traveller Sommelier of the Year in 2018 was a pretty great and surreal moment. But I think the work I do here is an accomplishment – I am pretty tough on myself and push myself to be better all the time. I don’t think you can ever ‘settle’ in a role like this one. There’s always more to do, more to learn and more to teach. |
| My favourite food and beverage match is: Excellent steak tartare with anything made by PYCM |
| What is the one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting their career in wine? Always use the spittoons at tastings. And bend from the knees – you will be carrying a LOT of boxes! |
Photo courtesy SHOTBYTHOM.
