Interview With A Sommelier – Dimitris Danellakis

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

Tell Us About Yourself

“Hello! I’m Dimitris Danellakis, originally from Rhodes, Greece. Following my studies in Biology, I realized that my ideal working environment was hospitality. Very quickly ‘wine’ found me, and since 2014 has driven me into a world full of flavors, travels, tastings, seminars, reading and above all meeting interesting people! I’m an active Sommelier at Akres Lindos restaurant which gives me the pure connection with the final consumer and empowers me to manage the role of Wine Director at Caterplus’ wholesales. I always enjoy sharing my knowledge with my students at IEK AKMI and act as a consultant and trainer for hospitality businesses through Citrus Gastronomy/ Academy!”

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

“This is fun! Being part of a wedding reception, aged around sixteen, at some point Champagne was served for the close relatives. The fame of those wines was superlative in my mind, so I couldn’t hold my anticipation for tasting this exclusive wine. I still remember the classic coupe glass arriving in front of me. By the time I’m tasting it, I’m thinking: – what? Why do people appreciate this taste? This was awful. How can this be expensive? Imagine my disappointment at that point but keep in mind that today I’m a huge fan of Champagne, as sparkling wines are my priority choice.

This taste stigmatized my palette and kept coming into my mind occasionally every time I was even listening to the name. After a decade, of maturing myself, I tasted again the same house it was clear that this taste felt different! Even if it was so identical…!”

What Inspired You To Become a Sommelier?

“The storytelling that follows every single label, the pure connection with land, tradition and vintage, as the ability of the wine to time travel the consumer even from his seat at the restaurant in front of you! Also, wine’s ability to recall feelings is something that I cannot pass by! So I would say my inspiration is the power of wine itself!”

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

“Definitely Champagne is the first thing that comes into my mind, for the magnetism attraction that creates over the consumer and me! Though, I cannot overcome the exciting sparkling wines from Greece. Peloponnese and Amyndeon which have raised their standards, creating methode traditionelle wines based on Moschofilero and Xinomavro respectively. The purity of the terroir, as the winemakers’ vision, leads those wines to the world’s sparkling map. Rhodes, my hometown, also continues the strong sparkling heritage of the island for a century! Athiri co-stars with Chardonnay in this bubbly game!”

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

“After a stressful period, next to the sea, enjoying family moments, with my two little sons pretending to be our Sommeliers, pouring me and my wife, under the Acropolis of Lindos, is definitely a memory that always creates a small smile on my face..!”

Thank you, Dimitris Danellakis, 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 Dimitris Danellakis. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission, to use them.