Interview With A Sommelier – Irakli Kvantrishvili

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

Tell Us About Yourself

“I am Irakli Kvantrishvili. I graduated from Tbilisi Wine School and WSET 2. Currently, I am working in the Tbilisi Marriott as a Sommelier. It is an honor for me to be part of the Marriott Family, and the opportunities this has given me.”

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

“My very first experience was when I was a child, as it is a tradition in Georgia to drink Sparkling Wine at family gatherings and specifically New Year’s Eve. As kids, we were only allowed to sip it, but it was love at first sight. I loved the wine from a very young age. I do not remember the specific wine, however, I do remember the amazing impression it left.”

What Inspired You To Become a Sommelier?

“Starting with the fact that I have a long experience in HORECA. Initially, I worked as a waiter, and that is when I realized that I loved and enjoyed anything that had to do with wine. I started learning more and experiencing more of wine, from tasting to selling to learning how it is made. Georgia is considered the birthplace of wine and winemaking, and that adds another factor for my inspiration.”

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

“First of all, Sommelier is a constant learning experience, there is no such thing as end of learning. Every day and every moment something new happens in this field. This is was you are never bored and never able to say I am done. The most interesting was that I saw wine from a different perspective, not just as another drink on the Supra (traditional Georgian gathering) but as a form of art and culture. The most surprising is how much people enjoy learning about different wines. Whether it is Georgian learning about Georgian wine, or overseas guests learning about Georgian wine, or anyone learning about any wine in fact.”

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

“Georgia has to hold the number one place in my heart for any type of wine. Georgia has a culture and a learning curve for producing great sparkling wines. Currently, Georgia has interesting sparkling wines, but it also has a great potential to produce even more and even better sparkling wines. As for international wines, of course, Champagne, with its history, perfection, tastefulness, and with its ability to compliment different dishes.”

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

“Coming back a full circle, but I love enjoying a glass of Bubbly with my family on New Year’s. That is the most memorable and loving place for me.”

Thank you, Irakli, 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 Irakli Kvantrishvili. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission, to use them.