Interview With A Sommelier – Bojan Vukasojevic

The World of Wine is beautifully showcased by an army of talented Sommeliers, who help the consumer discover their next favourite bottle, understand the different regions and pair a delicious meal with the right Glass of Bubbly.

In this feature, I speak with a man from Montenegro, who has helped many people to discover the vast world of Wines and Sparkling Wines, his name is Bojan Vukasojevic, let’s find out about his life as a Sommelier.

Tell Us About Yourself

“First of all, thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself to the wine community all over the globe.

My name is Bojan Vukasojevic. Born and raised in beautiful Montenegro. 29 years old. Mastered in university for Tourism and Hotel Management. But still an eternal wine student.

By profession, Sommelier and currently leading a wine team in the prestigious One&Only resort in my country. Before that, my wine journey brought me to the Maldives where I spent 2 seasons within the same company, in Reethi Rah, one of the best resorts in the Indian Ocean.

In my free time working as a wine consultant, trying to promote wine culture within the borders of the country and share the knowledge with hospitality people.”

Do You Remember Your First Experience With Sparkling Wine? When It Was And What Kind Of Wine It Was?

“Looong time ago. Some cheap local sparkling wine that we used to make Spritz cocktails behind the bar. Had to wait some time after that day to try the real stuff and correct my opinion.

So, I’m counting from the day when I tried Champagne for the first time. And that first sip left a huge impression on me. Bubbles hit me in the head and once tried I never wanted to stop tasting and exploring the diversity of sparkling wines, especially those made by traditional method. If I remember well, it was Roederer Brut NV.”

What Inspired You To Become a Sommelier?

“In this case, it’s not what, but who. Thanks to my ex-Head Sommelier and her ability to recognize talent and to teach people, I am now in this position and in the wine business.

I had a decent wine knowledge before I started to work with wines, gained through my hospitality career, but let’s say that was a factor which encouraged me to step out of a comfort zone and dive deeper into the wonderful world of wines.”

During Your Time As A Sommelier, What’s The Most Surprising & Interesting Thing You’ve Learnt?

“There are many of them. The world of wine is vast and ever-evolving. New grape varieties, winemaking techniques, and regions are constantly emerging. Sommeliers often find that there’s always more to learn, which keeps the profession exciting and dynamic.

For example, diversity of taste. People’s preferences for wine can be incredibly diverse. What one person loves, another might dislike, and there’s a wide range of tastes and preferences among enthusiasts.

Then the complexity of pairing wine with different types of food can be surprising. It’s not just about red with meat and white with fish—there are many nuances to consider, and some pairings that might seem unconventional can be surprisingly delightful.

Also, understanding the impact of terroir on the taste of wine can be fascinating. Different regions, climates, and soils can contribute unique characteristics to the same grape variety.”

What Sparkling Wine Producing Countries or Regions Hold A Special Place In Your Heart?

“For me, Italian Methodo Classico wines have always been overshadowed by the prestigious Champagne region, and even by the Prosecco brand. They usually offer great quality and complexity, with reasonable prices. Especially those from Trento and Franciacorta.

As well I also need to mention traditional method sparkling wines from Serbia, which are not so well known outside of the Balkan region. The majority of production is based in the north, where great Chardonnay vineyards are planted, on the Danube banks.

However, the Champagne region is still the first place on my wine bucket list.”

What Advice Would You Give Inspiring Sommeliers?

“Becoming a sommelier is an exciting and rewarding journey. It is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s also about developing the skills to share that knowledge in a way that enhances the enjoyment of others. Embrace the journey with passion, curiosity, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Never stop learning and never stop improving, step by step, day by day, wine by wine. Attend tastings, workshops, and seminars. Read books, and follow industry publications. Train your palate by tasting a wide variety of wines. Pay attention to the aromas, flavors, and textures. And get certified!

Having a great passion for everything what you doing and having focus for everyday small improvements – is a key to success!”

Where’s The Most Memorable Place You’ve Enjoyed A Glass of Bubbly?

“That’s a hard one. There were many places, occasions and good company which were seasoned with bubbles. But the first picture that showed up in my head when I heard the question dates back to my experience in the Maldives a couple of years ago. Next to the ocean on the sandy beach. That’s maybe because I love palm trees, sun, sand, everything related to the summer, and on top of it glass of Cristal in the hand.”

Thank you, Bojan, for sharing your words, knowledge and experiences with us and we at Glass of Bubbly wish you the very best for the future!

Images belong to Bojan Vukasojevic. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission, to use them.