Study like a pro – here are the top sommeliers' best advice

By Andreas Grube

Published 23-April-2020

Interview

Do you want to learn more about wine, or even start studying for a wine exam? Let the professionals help you! Here are the best advice from world champions Marc Almert and Arvid Rosengren, and other international top sommeliers.

Marc Almert, reigning ASI sommelier champion of the world, Chef Sommelier of Baur au Lac & Baur au Lac Vins:
”The key is to know what you are studying for; trying to advance your personal wine knowledge (either for leisure or for a certain work environment), a competition, a formal exam or a mix of the above.”
Read the interview with Marc here

Arvid Rosengren, Best Sommelier in the World 2016, Star Wine List partner and NYC ambassador:
”Building the overarching holistic understanding is key and has to come first. For example, there's no use in starting to memorize Burgundy premiers crus if you don't understand the history, geology, culture of the area, or have looked at a map.”
Read the interview with Arvid here

Nina Jensen, sommelier at Restaurant Lyst in Vejle, Danish Sommelier Champion in 2017 and 2019, Nordic Sommelier Champion in 2016 and runner-up in Best Sommelier of the World Competition in 2019:
”Spend the time it takes to really understand, as opposed to just knowing.”
Read the interview with Nina here

Emmanuel Rosier, sommelier restaurateur, wine consultant and Star Wine List’s Berlin ambassador:
”Getting engaged with a bunch of ’fellow’ students, challenging each other and asking/answering questions make it more motivating to remember stuff.”
Read the interview with Emmanuel here

Francesco Marzola, Head Sommelier at Park Hotel Vossevangen and Nordic Sommelier Champion 2018:
”My best general advice will be to stay open, do not exclude any areas or grapes or so on just because it’s not your personal favourite, or because you don't like it.”
Read the interview with Francesco here