Interview With A Sommelier – Dario De Caro

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

Tell Us About Yourself

“Several experiences in wine production and a degree in winemaking and wine business gave me the chance to taste and make a lot of different kinds of wine.
I have been a sommelier for 4 years, so I am almost new in this job, and passing from the production to the hospitality has been a great challenge.”

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

“I studied winemaking in Conegliano, the land of Prosecco: wine with a great story, great numbers. The memory of drinking Prosecco on those amazing hills is something I will always bring with me.”

What Inspired You To Become a Sommelier?

“The idea is to have the chance to study and learn and share this knowledge with guests. I love the idea that people that come to the restaurant may be celebrating a special occasion, and I like I am there with a bottle of wine to make their time great.”

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

“We study a lot about wine pairing, but what really matters is drinking what makes you happy. Lots of times guests ask me about a good pairing and I always ask them which kind of wine they love. If I think a full body red wine can be a good wine for their dinner, but they don’t like that kind of wine? Always be open minded.

The most surprising thing I have learnt is that the job on the floor is maybe 20% of your time, most of the time is dedicated to the wine list, stock, and studying.”

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

“Prosecco, every time I go back to Veneto is my first stop.”

What Advice Would You Give Aspiring Sommeliers?

“Be humble always. We have a great job and responsibility. In a restaurant, you can make great markups with wine. We have the chance to control the floor and have everything under control. I often help runners and section waiters when they need it. I let them taste wines. It is important. At the end of service talk with everyone, help everyone, and try to make a good environment in your restaurant. We are sommeliers, we are not wine snobs.”

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

“Most probably when I worked at Chapel Down and tasted my first English sparkling wine, it was a great emotion. England has always had a great role in wine history without having a vineyard. Now that they are making wine, they will do great things. Every great wine has passed through London.”

Thank you, Dario, 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 Dario De Caro. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission, to use them.