Interview With A Sommelier – Daniel Loughlin

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

Tell Us About Yourself

“My name is Daniel Loughlin, I grew up in Oldham, Greater Manchester, so not much Bordeaux & Burgundy exposure! Always wanted to see a bit more of the world so as soon as I finished University went out to travel around and ended up living away from the UK for about 7 years in different parts of the world. (China, Bali & South Africa.)

I started out gaining some experience in hospitality when I was younger, bartending, waiting and eventually working in a few different independently owned speciality cafes, which is where I first began to have more exposure to working with wines professionally. Following on from that I became part of the first large Sommelier team formulated in Manchester one of D & D London’s projects which was a fantastic learning experience as it became their busiest venue within the first 12 months of opening. Following on from that I took on a new challenge working with Tom Kerridge as his first opening in Manchester, which was a dream in many ways, working with such talented chefs and delicious food made bespoke wine pairings super exciting for guests. Currently I’m working at Old Trafford with the newly refurbished directors box where we have a great list of some of the top classics from around the world, as well as some exciting one offs on show at each home game.”

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

“My first ever experience was probably a mimosa when I was about 12 using some cheap asda prosecco, very northern. As an adult the first sparkling wine that I remember really making me sit up and take note was the first time I tasted P2 from Dom Perignon, the extended period on lees definitely was the first time I tried something with that flavour profile before, fantastic!”

What Inspired You To Become a Sommelier?

“It was never my original intention, after travelling quite a lot and seeing how wine help a key place in some of the places I lived especially Cape town it peaked my curiosity as wine was an area I had 0 knowledge or interaction with growing up. The idea for me beginning was to figure out what kind of wine I liked, if any and that was as far as I thought it would go.”

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

“The most surprising things are that I never ever got bored of interacting with people, every day different faces stories and the things they share with you along the way is just incredible.

Also the never ending learning journey you go on, in regards to meeting and greeting every new person, but also the subject matter and infinite tastings you learn as much as you want!”

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

“I definitely have say the UK as I feel I was just getting into working professionally with wine as the UK sparkling wave was building and I’ve been lucky enough to visit a few of the vineyards which is always special. During that time then we became one of the only restaurants in the UK to offer both Brut & Rose Nyetimber 1086 and the full range of Gusbourne’s wines BTG. People have definitely become more open and the demand has gone through the roof with English sparkling which is always a good thing for the whole industry!”

What Advice Would You Give Inspiring Sommeliers?

“The same advice I give all guests and current sommeliers I’ve encountered, to not close doors in your mind on certain styles of wines! I found that as we gain some knowledge on wine regions and styles we tend to sometime get stuck drinking the same styles preferred or be close minded to certain styles. So many times I’ve told myself I’m not a fan of X only to find a unique atypical example or a new take on that style that has blown me away, so keep trying and don’t close that door!”

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

“Definitely, during a visit to champagne to visit Piper & Charles Heidsieck, enjoying the newest release in the vineyards with their vineyard manager.”

Thank you, Daniel, 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 Daniel Loughlin. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission, to use them.