Interview With A Sommelier – Fernanda Vargas

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 woman who has helped many people to discover the vast world of Wines and Sparkling Wines, her name is Fernanda Vargas, let’s find out a bit about her life as a Sommelier.

Tell Us About Yourself

“I’m a Sommelier at Quob Park Estate Hotel and Vineyard in Hampshire. Before, I’d been working for 6 years managing wine bars across London. I finished my WSET 3 in 2023 and will now focus on starting my Diploma later this year. I also like to share my wine passion on my Instagram @but.wine.not .”

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

“I remember starting to drink sparkling wine mostly to celebrate: Christmas, New Year’s Eve, graduation parties, or any family reunion, we would always open a bottle to cheer. That was back in 2000 when I was living near the border with Argentina and Paraguay and it was easy to go across and get Spanish Cavas like Codorniu and Freixenet from the duty free shops. So it all started with lots of Cava drinking, which I still enjoy a lot!”

What Inspired You To Become a Sommelier?

“Talking about wine and creating unexpected experiences around it. I love to introduce a wine to people who have never heard of it or never thought to drink it, and I see in their eyes the excitement of a discovery, that’s unbeatable. It’s the fuel that gives me more and more energy to continue studying and tasting everything I can to share this with others.”

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

“I had the chance to go to Barbadillo vinery and had a full experience on how Sherry is made, including seeing the Solera process happening live in front of me. For me, it’s amazing what they do, how the ageing and maturation influences the process, the passion and detail involved in it to create from the same grape variety such complex and interesting wines.”

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

“I have a special thing about Franciacorta. Besides the wine being fantastic, the region is very close to Milan, where I lived for 3 years. The people who produce the wine and how this is part of the community are amazing and it’s definitely one of the best Italian wines and regions to visit as well.”

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

“When I travel for holidays, I always enjoy a bottle of Sparkling wine on my first night – being local or not, depending on location. One of the special ones for me was my first trip after the pandemic when we first started to go abroad again.

I arrived in Palma de Mallorca and was waiting for friends who would join me the day after. I got one of the few places that were back open, a very simple room. We still needed to go around in masks on the streets. I went to the local supermarket across the hotel and found a bottle of Freixenet Brut Nature Reserva, it was the last one on the shelf. I drank that Cava with a sentiment of freedom and relief that was unbelievable.”

Thank you, Fernanda, 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 Fernanda Vargas @but.wine.not. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission, to use them.