Interview With A Sommelier – Prokopios Mountrichas

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 Greece, who has helped many people to discover the vast world of Wines and Sparkling Wines, his name is Prokopios Mountrichas, let’s find out about his life as a Sommelier.

Tell Us About Yourself

“Hello! My name is Prokopios Mountrichas and I come from Greece. I have worked in hospitality for more than 10 years, starting at a crucial period when at university, seeking money in order to be able to finish my studies. This was meant to be my future… Almost 5 years ago I moved to London where I tried several roles in the industry. At the moment I am the Beverage Director at Mister Nice & Nikita Mayfair, aiming towards the Advanced Sommelier Certificate from CMS while I also study Business & Management at LSE.”

What Inspired You To Become a Sommelier?

“Having fulfilled plenty of different roles, I was always looking for a more empowered position where I could be able to put my personality and skills in place. A couple of years ago I met my ‘mentors’ as I used to say, that made me think about wine in a different way. I started studying while I was still a waiter, achieving different courses between WSET and CMS and I hope this is only the beginning. I like to be honest and admit that this was never my dream, even if I come from a family that owns two different wineries in Greece.”

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

“This is a great question. The most surprising thing I have learned is because of my kids. Even though I can be ‘dead’, the restaurant vibes and the interaction with the guests can make me forget everything. You can be surprised day by day, in every single occasion and this is what makes this journey so special.”

How Often Do You Find Yourself Recommending English Sparkling Wine? 

“Even though in my current workplace we don’t serve English Sparkling Wine due to the French identity of the restaurant, I have to admit that I really believe in this concept and that in a couple of years English Sparkling will play an important role in the wine industry across the world.”

In Your Professional Opinion, Out Of Champagne And Prosecco, Which Do You Think Does A Better Job With Complementing A Meal?

“Without even thinking about the reply, Champagne. As a personal taste, I don’t think that anything can be compared to Champagne… even if there are several Prosecco that I really like.”

What Advice Would You Give Inspiring Sommeliers?

“Sommeliers can quite easily become egocentric. I would advise young sommeliers to always stay humble and curious. In the wine world, there are always new things to learn and pretty much everyone can teach you new lessons. Stay always thirsty for knowledge and never think you have reached the top. At the end of the day, we work for our guests.”

If You Sat Down For A Quiet Dinner, What Dish And Sparkling Wine Would You Choose To Enjoy Together?

“Something quiet with two kids… That’s a great question!!! I love to stay late with my wife, order sushi and enjoy a nice bottle of Champagne. I am privileged to have a great cellar at home and to be able to enjoy some big boys really often. I am a big fan of Dom Pérignon, especially older vintages, but mainly we drink some Blanc de Blancs (happy wife – happy life).”

Thank you, Prokopios, 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 Prokopios Mountrichas. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission, to use them.