Interview With A Sommelier – Frederic Grappe – Founder of Dynamic Vines

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, we speak with Frederic Grappe, a Sommelier and the Founder of Dynamic Vines Bottle Shop and Bar in London, England, who is helping many wonderful people to discover the vast world of Wines and Sparkling Wines, let’s find out about his life in the world of wine.

Please Tell Us A Little About Yourself & Your Journey Into The Wine Industry?

“At first, I wanted to be a chef, and even went to catering school in France. However, I quickly realised that being a chef was not for me and moved over to the front-of-house side of the restaurant business. That’s how wine got my attention, and I completed my sommelier diploma at 17 years old. In 1997, I came to London and worked in restaurants for about 10 years before I started Dynamic Vines.”

Do You Remember Your First Experience Of Tasting Sparkling Wine? Could You Tell Us More About It And What Kind Of Sparkling Wine It Was?

“For me, sparkling wine has been an acquired taste. I wasn’t the biggest fan of it initially, and even while studying for my sommelier’s diploma, I struggled to taste the wine behind the sparkling element. Not to mention I was really young when I first tasted sparkling wine, which probably was not of the best quality either! Of course, now things have changed and I love sparkling wine.”

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

“Before I stumbled across the biodynamic method of making wine, I was under the impression that the conventional method of winemaking was the only option. I have learnt the most interesting things through meeting with producers of biodynamic wines, and getting to know more about how they are so focused on making the quality and identity of the grape come through on tasting the wine.”

Can you share a bit about Dynamic Vines- what future plans do you have for the new bottle shop and wine bar? And what inspired you to start Dynamic Vines in 2005?

“In the world of wine, it takes a few years to make a good one, and it’s impossible to predict what people will want three years in the future. For the new bottle shop and wine bar, I just hope that the people of Dulwich are really pleased with it and that they enjoy a bottle of wine with us in the shop, and also take back a few bottles home with them.

As I mentioned above, Dynamic Vines was started as a result of meeting producers who were focused on crafting a distinct identity for every wine that they produced.”

What Sparkling Wine-producing Countries Or Regions Hold A Special Place In Your Heart?

“I think it will have to be the Champagne region of France.”

What Advice Would You Give To Aspiring Sommeliers?

“What’s important is not to forget that the sommelier is here to help the customers as well as flex their knowledge. It’s easy to miss that point. Helping customers choose what’s right for them, listening to what they’re looking for but also using their own knowledge. They shouldn’t forget that these two elements work in conjunction.”

Can You Share The Most Memorable Experience You’ve Enjoyed With A Glass of Bubbly?

“Many many good memories. But a few years back, we went to a private tasting at the cellar of Jacques Selosse in Champagne, one of the most iconic biodynamic Champagne producers. It was such an experience to hear them run through the story of the Champagne house as well as the terroir, so inspiring.”

Additional Question Asked on Behalf of Champagne Collectors – What’s The Oldest Vintage Champagne You’ve Tasted?

“The last Saturday our Lordship Lane wine bar and shop was open in December before Christmas, we opened up a magnum of Franck Pascal “Quintessence” 2005 that was disgorged in 2022. So it had about 17 years in the bottle before it was released and it was incredibly youthful and delicious.”

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

Photo Credit belongs to Dynamic Vines, Glass of Bubbly was granted permission to use the image.