Interview With A Sommelier – Sara Lehman

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 woman who has helped many people to discover the vast world of Wines and Sparkling Wines, her name is Sara Lehman, let’s find out a bit about her life as a Sommelier.

Tell Us About Yourself

“My name is Sara Jimenez, and I am a Sommelier, Sherry Specialist, and the Owner of Somm In The City. I began my career in restaurants and hospitality as a Pastry Cook, eventually transitioning to become a Pastry Chef for over a decade, before delving into the world of becoming a Sommelier and Beverage Manager. I established Somm In The City in 2013 as a blog aimed at educating wine enthusiasts in a fun and approachable manner. This initiative evolved into a comprehensive wine marketing, events, and Sommelier consulting company! Presently, I travel to host educational wine events in multiple cities, representing wineries, wine consortiums, as well as private clients. Additionally, I hold the esteemed position of Guest Sommelier at a top-notch destination spa.”

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

“I certainly do! I was attending Wine School in Koblenz, Germany, and one of the initial wines we tasted during an excursion was Sekt. On that occasion, we were in a cellar with a producer from the Mosel, who was demonstrating the production method, and it proved to be quite captivating. As we explored the cellar, a German feast awaited us, featuring giant grilled Bratwurst with delicious toppings served on freshly toasted buns. The winemaker then presented us with a glass of Sekt, and it was sheer perfection! The effervescence of the bubbles complemented the sausage magnificently, and I can still vividly recall the aroma, the scenery, and the delightful pairing of that moment. This marked my inaugural encounter with high-quality sparkling wine, extending beyond the occasional New Year’s Eve sip of Champagne from my parents’ glasses during my upbringing.”

What Inspired You To Become a Sommelier?

“While attending Johnson & Wales University, I had the opportunity to undergo my Sommelier Training and attain my first-level wine certification at The German Wine School in Koblenz, Germany. During the first week, we were introduced to a food and wine pairing class. I relished my initial taste of smoked salmon, crème fraîche, and a perfectly paired Riesling, and I was instantly captivated. Later that day, I excitedly called my mom and exclaimed, ‘I am becoming a Sommelier!’ After my training in Germany, I progressed to work in restaurants as a Beverage Manager, Sommelier, and Event Planner. It has been an incredible wine journey ever since, enabling me to continuously pursue advanced wine degrees.”

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

“The most surprising thing I’ve learned while working in wine is how true it is when they say where you are and who you’re with can affect how a wine tastes. How you enjoy a wine or how someone else sees it isn’t just about the flavor – it’s also about the scene and the memories being made. This really helps me as a Sommelier, especially when it comes to selling and connecting with customers. I mean, the wine could be top-notch, but if everything else around it doesn’t click, it can totally mess with how that person feels about the wine or even how it comes across to them.

The most interesting lesson I’ve picked up is that bold pairings can actually be a win! I kicked off my career with pairings that seemed logical, but it wasn’t until I started working at Michelin Star locations like Hakkasan in NY that I figured out wild pairings can rock too. I had to tweak some of what I learned in the beginning. There’s this whole unexplored territory in the Sommelier world, and now I’m all about creating combos that might seem weird but just totally hit the spot!”

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

“I am particularly drawn to Germany, largely due to my initial training and education, of course. I also hold a strong affection for Sekt and believe it deserves a greater presence on menus and in stores here in the USA.

Prosecco will forever hold a special place in my heart. Having visited some of the most exquisite vineyards in Valdobbiadene, I am truly enchanted by Prosecco Superiore and the region as a whole.”

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

“Franciacorta! My husband, a friend who’s deep into wine marketing for many Italian wineries, and I were on this trip. We landed at the Mosnel winery, known for crafting amazing Franciacorta. They rolled out this huge carpet right in the midst of the vines. We cracked open a bubbly bottle and had the most delightful Italian picnic right there in the vineyard – it was an experience like no other!”

Thank you, Sara, 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 Sara Lehman. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission, to use them.