Interview With A Sommelier – Gayan Manawadu

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

Tell Us About Yourself & What Inspired You To Become a Sommelier?

“I reside in Sri Lanka, I started my career as a steward more than 15 years ago after completing an internship in an F&B course, then in 2010 I got the opportunity to work in the Maldives as a Bartender. Later I was involved with more wine related responsibilities in the resort and after completing WSET Level 2 (passed with Distinction), and Level 3 (passed with Merit ), I became an assistant wine sommelier. My life’s biggest achievement was in 2019 when I completed the Court of Master Sommelier exam, I passed Level 1, and now I am a Certified Sommelier Level 2. Since 2017 my role has been Acting as Beverage Manager and resort Sommelier in Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives

I would say it was from the experience in 2012 of washing glasses after a wine tasting. I got the chance to taste a few great wines and I wondered about the use of glasses showing different aromas from different glasses after the tasting session concluded and the inspiration of being a Sommelier started.”

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

“I guess it was the year 2007 in Taj Samudra Hotel Colombo, during a wedding function I opened and tasted Barefoot bubbly sparkling, USA.”

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

“During the 7 years of my Sommelier career, I have learned plenty of things a sommelier should be well aware of and how to be more informative. Things I learned – the food & Sake pairing is most interesting. Chocolate and wine tasting experiences are the most surprising. Even the wine degustation menus from India, Japan, Thai, and China are the most influential things I should mention changed my whole image of the wine world. When I travelled to Europe for a wine education trip, it was a really big turning point and I believe that is why I am standing strong today.”

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

“Without doubt, I must mention first Champagne then I am really impressed with Spanish Cava de Paraje Calificado and Italian Franciacorta, Lombardy.”

What Advice Would You Give Inspiring Sommeliers?

“Being a sommelier and tasting wine professionally is a lot different from casual drinking, so you need to have the desire and commitment to learn about wine and everything wine-related. You must also train your palate and learn how to develop tasting skills, once you’re doing this correctly then you definitely gain a return investment- please access the ample recourses to learn & develop, and find the best mentor or a Buddy for your career growth.”

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

“My resort Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives- Overwater bar Sunset deck watching Sunset Beauty.”

Additional Question asked by Champagne Collectors – What’s the Oldest Vintage Champagne You’ve Tasted?

“Champagne Salon 1985, Cuvee ‘S’ Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut.

I opened this Champagne in 2016 for a special anniversary celebration, and I got a chance to taste it, WOW! what a great divine Champagne, it was at peak maturity, and even though it was 30 years old, the freshness and bubbles were alive. The first sip wasn’t great, it was served in a flute glass as per the guest’s request, but then I advised them to change to a proper Champagne glass, it was a miracle when the Champagne opened up guests were so amazed. The Champagne had creaminess, overripe yellow fruit, a hint of lees and nuttiness, palate with great concentration and length.”

Thank you, Gayan, for sharing your words, knowledge and experiences with us and we at Glass of Bubbly wish you the very best for the future!

Photo Credit belongs to Gayan Manawadu & Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, Glass of Bubbly was granted permission, to use them.