Interview With A Sommelier – Bayram Yasasin

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

Tell Us About Yourself

“Hi, I’m Bayram Yasasin, I was born in Izmir, Turkey. I’m 21 years old. When I was a high school student I began my career in the hospitality industry. Three years ago I started my wine career as a Junior Sommelier in Four Seasons Istanbul. Then I worked as a sommelier for top level brands in Turkey for two years. Now I’m in Dubai where I continue my career as a sommelier.”

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

“It was my 18th birthday when I was working in a two Michelin star restaurant and the manager of our restaurant opened a Prosecco for me and I can say that it was my first experience, I can say that from the first sip I took, I felt very different from other alcohol with its wonderful smell and freshness and I can say that moment for the first moment I started to be interested in sparkling wine.”

What Inspired You To Become a Sommelier?

“My happiness while serving wine in the Michelin star restaurant where I worked as a waiter and the guidance of my restaurant manager and head sommelier who noticed my curiosity and approach to wine in wine training was the beginning of my career and I am really grateful to them.”

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

“There are many things to say about this subject, but first of all, no matter how special the wine is, it is one of the most important for me to learn which wine will be served to which guest and in which way the guest will be happy and to get to know them. I can say that the knowledge and onology part of the job is completely different, the sales and human relations part is completely different.”

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

“For me, Turkish wines are very important and I fully support them and I love to serve them. I also like to serve Prosecco cocktails to guests sometimes because I work in a warm peninsula. apart from that, it is most enjoyable to start dinner with Champagne in the evening and then serve white or red wine. if you ask me which Champagne is my favorite, I can say Krug Clos du Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut 2008 vintage.”

What Advice Would You Give Inspiring Sommeliers?

“This is an endless journey that should be continued by continuously learning without losing the excitement on the journey and travelling as much as there is opportunity to do so.”

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

“During our first year celebration, my girlfriend and I went to a bungalow and started our dinner with a Bollinger, which was very different and special for me.”

This Question was asked on behalf of Champagne Collectors – “What’s The Oldest Vintage Champagne You’ve Tasted?”

“I can say that Dom Pérignon Plenitude 2 2003, which I opened while working at Mandarin Oriental Bodrum, was one of the oldest and most special ones for me.”

Thank you, Bayram, 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 Bayram Yasasin. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission, to use them.