Interview With A Sommelier – Gaia Serafini

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 from Italy, who has helped many people to discover the vast world of Wines and Sparkling Wines, her name is Gaia Serafini, let’s find out about her life as a Sommelier.

Tell Us About Yourself

“My name is Gaia, I’m Italian and I’m (almost) 28. I’ve been in this industry for 10 years, and I’ve learned a lot. Everything started at school, my dream was to become a chef but it changed quite quickly, I still remember when I said to myself at school while I was starting to learn more about the wine world; ‘This is what I want to do’. After that, I got my diploma, and I decided to throw myself into a different and challenging experience, leaving Italy for a while and starting my experience here in the UK. It was the best choice, London can be very hard (and it was) however it was back at the time, THE place where I learned the most and I had a lot of fun!”

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

“I do remember it very well. It was my first Michelin star experience in Italy, I was opening a bottle of Franciacorta in front of a guest and as I was very tense, while I opened the bottle at least a glass went on the table. But at least, the Franciacorta was very good!”

What Inspired You To Become a Sommelier?

“The passion and hard work that was behind wine, every single drop. That for me was ‘Wow’ I didn’t know that there was so much effort”

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

“That a single grape varietal in the same place, same soil but with perhaps 50 m difference from each another can produce a completely different wine. That for me was shocking! In a very positive way! And I love small producers for this, they never ever produce the same wine every vintage and for me, that’s the beauty! Because every single vintage needs to be different.”

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

“I have to say it, even if I’m from very near the area of Prosecco I love Champagne. For me Champagne is really really beautiful, you have different soil, and different wines even if from the same grape varietals. I’ve visited for the first time ever last year, wow.”

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

“In Champagne, in a small natural wine bar, there was a huuuuge selection! Also at home with a nice bottle of ‘La Closerie’ Jerome Provost.”

Thank you, Gaia, 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 Gaia Serafini. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission, to use them.