| Name: Louella Mathews (Sydney, AU) |
| I am: Head Sommelier @bibowinebarPlus some consulting and wine judging on the side. Creator of @sommspace. |
| What inspired me to become a sommelier: Beginning my hospitality career in the Orange wine growing region. I loved the relationships that wine develops between people, whether it’s customer to sommelier, winemaker to retailer. |
| My role model is: Pip Anderson. I admire how she clearly loves the wine profession but can adapt to any situation and dabbles in all things wines, not just being a sommelier. But celebrates the wine community. |
| My greatest professional achievement is: Becoming NSW State Finalist for Negociants Working with Wine Program was amazing. Receiving nominations for GT Wine Magazine ‘Young Sommelier of the Year’ and Gault and Mileau ‘Sommelier of the Year’ are also highlights. |
| My favourite food and beverage match is: Anything and madeira. But most recently we at bibo a signature is our flambe chorizo matched with a Henriques et Henriques Sercial 10yo Maderia… so good! |
| What is the one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting their career in wine? Welcome!1. Find a good mentor.2. Find a good tasting group – from your CMS or WSET studies or maybe work. 3. Taste – study – taste – study. 4. Basics – the quicker you learn about vinification the easier tasting will become. And of course have fun and don’t be afraid to make mistakes or be wrong! |
